A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
A sculptural figure with black skin, a colorful headdress and skirt. This figure is standing next to a bright yellow covered sugar basket with floral decorations.
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Unknown Maker, German

Sugar Basket

Maker

Unknown Maker, German

Culture

German

Title

Sugar Basket

Year

1700s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

porcelain

Geography

Place Made: Berlin

Dimensions

18.4 cm (7 1/4 inches) (height)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Marks: Potter's mark:sceptre in blue underglaze on bottom.

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Mrs. Hope Brown Russell

Object Number

09.462

Type

Exhibition History

Trading Earth
Ceramics, Commodities, and Commerce
Apr 09, 2022 – Aug 03, 2025

Label copy

Revered by Europeans as white gold, porcelain made in China was a highly prized commodity. These wares eventually met with competition in the 1700s, as European countries discovered how to create translucent porcelain ceramics. Figural pieces representing anthropomorphized versions of the earth’s continents were popular, as well as telling of the producers’ belief of their standing in the world. Made in Germany, the Black figure personifying Africa serves the commodity of sugar, while Europa rides high on a white horse, wearing a crown and holding a scepter, the globe at her feet.

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, German
Sugar Basket, 1700s
Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding
18.4 cm (7 1/4 inches) (height)
Bequest of Mrs. Hope Brown Russell 09.462

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