Coffee cup (part of a service) 1775 - 1790

This porcelain coffee cup, part of a service, was made by the Meissen Manufactory. The cup and saucer feature delicate avian scenes, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with the natural world. Birds, in particular, have long been potent symbols, representing freedom, the soul, and divine messengers across various cultures. We see similar motifs throughout history. In ancient Egyptian art, birds often symbolized the soul’s journey after death. The image of a bird in flight appears in medieval tapestries and illuminated manuscripts, representing spiritual aspiration. This cup with saucers exemplifies the continuous migration of symbols across time. Consider the emotional dimension: the depiction of birds in their natural habitat evokes a sense of tranquility and harmony. This imagery taps into a primal longing for connection with nature, a theme that resonates deeply within the human psyche. The natural world depicted on this object transports us, allowing us to escape into our subconscious, blurring the line between the conscious and unconscious mind, the past and present. The avian motif has persisted, resurfacing, and evolving, carrying a rich accumulation of meanings.