Lemon basket
- Date
- c. 1750
- Object type
- dish
- Technique
- underglaze paint, forming, , firing
- Material
- porcelain
- Dimensions
- 34 x 21 x 15 cm cm
- Location
- The White Pavilion - Dining Room, ground floor
- Place of Origin
- Meissen (Germany)
- Owner
- The Royal Łazienki
- Acquisition name
- l'acquisition
- Museum number
- ŁKr 1533
The lemon basket formed part of a cruet set — known in French as plat de ménage — that adorned the centre of the table, alongside bottles for oil and vinegar, a sugar caster, mustard pot, and salt shaker. These elaborate centrepieces were designed to save space on tables laden with dishes, in keeping with the French style of service. In the eighteenth century, lemons were a luxury item and a symbol of social status, hence the dishes intended for them rose above the other pieces.
