Danish Royal Porcelain 1775-2000 - 225 Years of Design
The
Dream of China
The
dream of China was the dream of porcelain, that fairytale,
semi-translucent material that was placed on a par with
precious stones and the composition of which was the secret of
the Chinese.
In
the late-medieval period, it arrived via the Caravan Route in
Persia and Turkey - and subsequently in Europe. With the
establishment of a sea route trade grew, with porcelain
becoming curiosities that lent kings and royalty added status.
Around 1700, cabinets of curiosities began to feature in many
castles, with decorative presentations. The function of
porcelain was to make an impression.
Denmark
gained its East India Company in 1731. Ships were sent
out every year and, in the course of the 18th century,
millions of items were brought back to Denmark. Although
most of the porcelain was resold, much of it remained in the
country. It was still considered a luxury but, with the
arrival of the new drinks coffee, tea and chocolate, it became
an indispensable part of everyday life.
The
Earliest European Porcelain in the 18th Century
[Index] [Introduction]
[The Dream of China] |
