Cup and Saucer 1841 - 1847

Editor: Take a peek at this gorgeous "Cup and Saucer," crafted between 1841 and 1847 by the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur. It's ceramic, dripping with gold! It almost feels...excessive in its opulence. What historical context shaped such an elaborate object? Curator: That's an astute observation. This porcelain cup and saucer reflect the aspirations of the rising bourgeoisie in 19th-century Germany. The application of gold wasn't merely decorative; it communicated wealth, taste, and participation in a specific social sphere. Think about how these pieces would circulate: who would have owned it? Who would they show it to? Editor: Presumably only people of certain stature. Almost like a form of...cultural capital, displayed in the home. How were objects like these used to reinforce those social hierarchies? Curator: Precisely! Owning such items signified adherence to a certain aesthetic and a commitment to societal values. This porcelain wasn't just about drinking tea; it was about broadcasting your status, understanding of fashionable trends, and displaying alignment with conservative societal tastes of the period. Note the romanticized designs, quite different from earlier, more restrained neoclassical styles favored by aristocracy. The middle class had their own set of imagery and meanings they wanted to associate with luxury. Editor: It’s interesting to think about how something so seemingly simple could carry so much social weight. The gilded surface now feels almost performative! Curator: Indeed. Examining this "Cup and Saucer" helps us see how decorative arts played a crucial role in shaping and expressing social identities during the rise of the middle class. The object and its setting were equally important parts of the message being conveyed. Editor: I’ll definitely think about objects as more than just aesthetic pieces now. There's so much embedded history there!