Cup and saucer 1735 - 1755

Editor: Here we have a "Cup and Saucer" made by Meissen Manufactory sometime between 1735 and 1755. It's crafted from porcelain, giving it such a delicate feel. I'm struck by the intricate scene; it feels very formal and almost like a miniature stage. What story do you think this piece is trying to tell? Curator: This "Cup and Saucer" encapsulates the 18th-century fascination with depicting idealized scenes from aristocratic life onto everyday objects. The imagery suggests leisure and hunting – activities exclusive to the upper classes. The very act of drinking from such a piece reinforces social hierarchy; this isn’t merely a cup, but a statement of wealth and refined taste. Editor: So, owning something like this would be a form of social signaling? Curator: Precisely. Porcelain itself was a highly valued material at the time, almost an obsession in Europe after its formula was discovered. Its use highlights the aspirations of the rising bourgeoisie eager to emulate the lifestyles of nobility. It also suggests how the depiction of social rituals are made part of the aesthetic pleasure of everyday life, don’t you think? Editor: I see what you mean! It’s not just decorative, it's performing a function in shaping social perceptions and aspirations, using this cup as a miniature theatre. Curator: Absolutely. Consider how objects like these contribute to the construction and reinforcement of social identity. The images portrayed on this simple ware tell volumes of societal aspirations, and underlying power dynamics. Editor: This gives me a totally new appreciation. Thanks to its display on this little world of ceramic, something like afternoon tea transforms into the consumption and performance of status.