Feeding bowl 1745 Villeroy This feeding vessel in the form of a fish is a remarkable object from the Villeroy factory. It is one of the most ambitious surviving sculptural works made at the factory,1 and the vessel is notable for being the only known dated piece of Villeroy porcelain. In addition, this work bears an extensive inscription not found on any other object produced at the factory. However, despite its date and inscription, certain aspects of the vessel remain obscure. Modeled to depict a pike, or a freshwater fish, the vessel is distinguished by its razorlike teeth that are clearly delineated in the fish’s mouth. An oval opening in the upper section of the fish provides access to the hollow body, which would have probably contained a soup, broth, or some other type of liquid to be poured through the hole formed in the pike’s mouth. The tail of the fish would have allowed the vessel to be tipped in order for the liquid to be consumed. The head, gills, and tail are painted t