Cup and saucer c. 18th century

Curator: Good morning, everyone. We are looking at an exquisite Wedgwood ceramic, a cup and saucer set, dating back to the 18th century. It is currently held in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: My initial reaction is one of understated elegance. The matte black finish absorbs light, lending it a sculptural presence. It's incredibly tactile in its appearance. Curator: Indeed. The choice of material and monochrome palette immediately signifies a break from the exuberant colors typically associated with Rococo. The use of black basalt stoneware allowed Wedgwood to produce pieces emulating classical antiquity. We see the influence of neoclassicism quite strongly in its sober forms. Editor: And look at the subtle fluting on the teapot and cups; the play of light and shadow animates an otherwise uniformly dark surface. It has such interesting linear features; they highlight the curvature beautifully. It also leads me to observe its almost perfect geometry which I find calming. Curator: Wedgwood catered to an emerging middle class, one with aspirations towards refined taste but without the deep pockets of the aristocracy. The dark color became symbolic of their restrained good taste and the rapidly growing middle class, for whom he marketed his wares cleverly. The relatively minimalist approach appealed to a new sense of decorum that challenged the frivolity of previous generations. Editor: So, in that way, even something as humble as a cup and saucer could perform a social role. I like that; the vessel itself contains layers of social commentary within it! Curator: Precisely. It speaks volumes, doesn't it? The act of drinking tea became intertwined with ideals of sophistication. Editor: Well, thank you. My appreciation has increased after today's viewing of "Cup and Saucer". What I once perceived as a simple object has now grown in my eyes, revealing more. Curator: It has been a pleasure exploring how Wedgwood combined form, material, and cultural context to create objects that were both aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant.