The Rococo porcelain of Europe and its influence on British ceramics

摘要

No material is better suited to express the spirit of the late baroque ornament that evolved into the rococo than porcelain, and it is fortunate that its re-invention in Europe coincided with these developments. This paper considers some of the more obvious strands of its development, notably the plastic designs exemplified by the work of Meissonier, the use of naturalistic forms, rocaille, and the fantastical light and playful graphic ornament that is such a defining expression of the rococo. It will also explore how these transformed continental porcelain and what of it influenced British ceramics directly.