Cup (part of a set) 1730 - 1745

This porcelain cup was made at the Meissen Manufactory in Germany, founded in 1710. It is a reminder that porcelain was once regarded as high-tech, almost magical. Think about the material itself, kaolin clay fired at intense temperatures. This alchemical process created a pristine, white surface that was perfect for decoration. The cup is painted with scenes of fashionable figures, evoking the exoticism of the East. The labor involved in producing this cup was considerable, with different artisans responsible for the design, molding, firing, and painting. Meissen porcelain was not just a material, but a signifier of wealth, taste, and power. The cup speaks volumes about the social context of its creation, and how processes of making were central to its value.