Tea cup (part of a service) 1755 - 1765

This exquisite teacup was crafted by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory. Notice how its surface is alive with figures drawn from classical mythology. On one side, we see Neptune, god of the sea, trident in hand, surrounded by nymphs and cherubs. This scene harks back to ancient Roman frescoes, where such maritime processions symbolized power and abundance. The other side depicts a gathering of female figures reminiscent of the Three Graces, often associated with beauty, charm, and joy. These motifs, recurring through the Renaissance and beyond, speak to a deep-seated human desire for harmony and pleasure. The cup is a receptacle for tea, a drink from the orient, a conduit for social rituals and personal reflection. A powerful symbol that engages us on a subconscious level. These classical symbols—gods, nymphs, graces—continue their cyclical journey, resurfacing in new forms, laden with evolving meanings.