Six saucers (part of a service) 1755 - 1765

These six saucers, part of a larger service, were created by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory between 1737 and 1896. They offer us a glimpse into the intricate world of elite dining and social rituals. Considered luxury items, porcelain wares like these were deeply embedded in the performance of class and status. The elaborate floral and shell decorations, rendered in delicate porcelain, speak to the Rococo aesthetics that dominated European tastes at the time. Yet, beyond their aesthetic appeal, these saucers tell a more complex story about global trade and cultural exchange. The demand for porcelain in Europe fueled intense competition and innovation. The mass production of porcelain was built upon the backs of laborers, whose stories are often absent from the historical narrative. These saucers prompt us to think about the artistry of the design and the social dynamics of the time.