Pair of dishes in the form of quails 1755 - 1765

Curator: These whimsical ceramics before us, dating from around 1755 to 1765, are a pair of dishes shaped like quails, crafted at the Ferrat Manufactory. Editor: Oh, my goodness, aren’t they precious? They evoke a scene from a fairytale, like something you’d stumble upon in an enchanted forest. Curator: Indeed! Notice the meticulous detailing. The artisans skillfully molded the ceramic to mimic the soft texture of feathers, rendering each quail with a lifelike quality. I’m fascinated by the interplay between the organic forms of the birds and the highly stylized Rococo base. Editor: And think of the role these dishes played. What kind of gathering might have employed such charming objects? Their overt luxury speaks volumes about the owner’s wealth and refined taste. Curator: Absolutely. The form is itself interesting, since each quail acts as a container—suggesting both beauty and function, two characteristics prized in the decorative arts of the period. I would point your attention toward the linear division. Editor: These aren't mere trinkets but rather social artifacts. Perhaps these pieces functioned as conversational pieces and status symbols intended for conspicuous display within elite social circles. Curator: Precisely. Beyond its function, however, it represents an embrace of nature characteristic of the Rococo sensibility, evident in its naturalistic forms and dynamic asymmetry. The very shape pushes us toward a certain reading of the work as dynamic and aesthetically free. Editor: It’s interesting to consider these pieces in today's context—artifacts of privilege displayed within a public institution. What does it mean for the Met to preserve and showcase such works? Curator: Your question unveils the broader issue concerning how museums like the Met shape public memory by showcasing particular historical narratives through artifacts such as these exquisite ceramic quails. Editor: Well, exploring them in this way certainly adds layers of complexity that simple visual observation alone could never reveal! Curator: Exactly; looking closely reveals formal intent and historical context.