Cup and saucer c. 1740

This porcelain cup and saucer, made by the Meissen Porcelain Factory, presents a study in contrasts and complements. The stark white of the porcelain provides a pristine field, punctuated by the opulent application of gold. Notice how the gilding isn’t merely decorative; it defines form. The cup itself is a study in curvature, softened by the reflective sheen of the glaze. The saucer, a flattened disc, anchors the composition. Gold filigree trims their circumferences and the idyllic scenes painted in gold between them draw the eye around the objects. The cup and saucer exist as signs within a larger cultural discourse, embodying luxury, taste, and social ritual. Through this interplay of form and ornamentation, the cup and saucer transcend their utilitarian purpose, becoming artifacts imbued with meaning, speaking to the values of the society that produced them.