Cup 1735 - 1745

This cup and saucer were made at the Meissen Manufactory, likely in the 18th century, using porcelain, enamel, and gilding. Porcelain emerged as the luxury material *par excellence* during this period. Think about it: Made from fine white clay and fired at high temperatures, porcelain has a delicate, almost ethereal quality. Here, that innate elegance is amplified by hand-painted floral patterns and gilded details, processes that required skillful artisans. Notice how the flowers are precisely rendered and how the gold accents catch the light, elevating the cup from a functional object to a precious commodity. Meissen was the first to discover the formula for hard-paste porcelain in Europe, turning its production into a state-sponsored enterprise. Through its forms and decoration, this cup reflects the vast resources, labor, and technical expertise required for its creation. By considering these factors, we can appreciate the social and economic forces that drove its production, while challenging any rigid distinction between art and craft.