Saucer 1730 - 1745

Editor: Here we have a porcelain saucer, believed to be from Chantilly, dating from 1730 to 1745. It's quite delicate, decorated with scattered flowers and even a little beetle! What story do you think this piece tells? Curator: This saucer speaks volumes about the 18th-century aristocratic embrace of Chinoiserie and the social rituals surrounding tea and other imported goods. It highlights how Eastern aesthetics were not just copied but reinterpreted through a European Rococo lens. The placement of those seemingly random flowers, the inclusion of an insect – these elements reflect a fascination with the natural world but also an assertion of dominion over it. Editor: Dominion? That’s a strong word for a little saucer! Curator: Think about it. Porcelain itself was a highly prized commodity, a symbol of wealth and status. Displaying this saucer at tea was a deliberate performance, signaling refinement and access to global trade routes. Moreover, the whimsical decorations were part of constructing an image of cultivated leisure. Editor: So, it's not just a pretty object, it's a status symbol? Curator: Precisely! Museums weren't common at this time, thus such objects in themselves fulfilled the role of an exhibit in the home, showcasing worldly awareness and exquisite taste. How does that change your perspective on it? Editor: I see it now. It’s less about enjoying tea, and more about who gets to enjoy it – and what it says about them. I had no idea a saucer could be so loaded! Curator: Absolutely! And every time we look at such pieces, we should consider who made it, who owned it, and what power dynamics were at play.