Teabowl and saucer 1760 - 1780

Curator: Let's discuss this Cozzi Manufactory "Teabowl and saucer" from the late 18th century, crafted in porcelain and currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The design aesthetic leans heavily into what was, at the time, seen as an "orientalism" style. Editor: It gives the immediate impression of something incredibly delicate, doesn’t it? The stark contrast of the decoration against the pristine porcelain, there’s an inherent refinement. Curator: Absolutely. Looking through a modern lens, one might consider this set as a commentary on the rising bourgeois class, indulging in leisure activities while exploiting resources and labor from colonized countries. Tea, porcelain, decorative arts reflecting ‘exotic’ lands—it’s all connected to global power dynamics. Editor: I see your point, and agree that the context shapes it significantly. But if we stick with the forms alone, I’m captivated by how the symmetrical arrangement of the pavilion is repeated across the objects. There's a clear and studied harmony in its distribution that pleases the eye. Curator: Right, this isn't merely decoration; it is carefully constructing an escapist fantasy. Consider the idealization of these gardens depicted and compare it to the exploitation happening at home, in European working class neighborhoods. What story is being deliberately omitted here? Editor: That contrast certainly adds another layer. The structure, however, seems integral. Each floral spray, each leaf seems intentionally placed to frame this miniature garden retreat on the saucer. Curator: Well, it reflects the power structures of its time, with clear demarcations of race, class and access to land, but I think understanding all of these layers helps reveal what's at stake when enjoying what may first seem like simply a beautiful cup of tea. Editor: I agree. Reflecting on its intentional beauty makes it a perfect display of the way forms and ideas can collide.