Saucer with Kakiemon decoration 1740

Editor: This petite porcelain saucer, adorned with Kakiemon decoration, was crafted by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. The delicate floral motifs give it a serene, almost meditative quality. What can you tell me about the symbolism at play here? Curator: Notice how the Kakiemon style, originally Japanese, gets reinterpreted in Europe. The flowers—chrysanthemums, perhaps?—speak of longevity and refinement, but are filtered through a European lens. It is not just a decoration; it is a cultural exchange, a memory of the East seen through Western eyes. Does the placement of the butterfly suggest anything to you? Editor: It almost feels like a fleeting thought. I never considered porcelain as a cultural touchstone before. Curator: Exactly! These objects carry stories, layered with meaning.