Tea cup c. 1755 - 1760

Curator: This is a teacup, presently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It was manufactured by Höchst Porcelain Manufactory. Editor: It's charming! The floral design is quite dense and colorful, an unexpected burst of cheerfulness on such a small object. Curator: The porcelain itself is fascinating. Höchst was known for its fine paste and vibrant colors; examining the materials reveals much about 18th-century manufacturing processes and trade routes. Editor: Indeed. The composition is also striking: the way the flowers encircle the cup, drawing the eye around and around. Note the asymmetrical arrangement; it avoids monotony. Curator: It's interesting to consider the social context, too. Who would have used this cup? What did it signify in terms of status and daily rituals? Editor: Yes, thinking about the craftsmanship and then the owner's experience gives us a complete picture. Curator: Precisely! It is a confluence of material production and artistic impression. Editor: A delightful collision!