clay and ceramics

shelf 3

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

German

Sugar Basket, 1700s

Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding

Bequest of Mrs. Hope Brown Russell 09.462

A white ceramic coffee pot with dark blue and gilded decorations, a straight spout, angular handle, and heraldry imagery in a circle on the body of the coffee pot.

Chinese

Coffeepot, 1800

Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding

Bequest of Mrs. Hope Brown Russell 09.156

A sculptural figure on a rearing horse in historical clothing that is yellow, pink, and white with floral decorations. The figure is holding a staff and ball.

Johann Joachim Kändler, modeler, German, 1706–1775

Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, German, 1710–present

Europa on a Horse, 1745–1747

Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding

Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 55.165