Demitasse and Saucer 1900 - 1902

This porcelain demitasse and saucer, by Peter Behrens, uses cobalt decoration under the glaze. It reminds me of working with underglazes in ceramics. The geometric forms are so simple – confident outlines. There’s something about the way that the hand navigates the curve of a cup. It’s similar to painting on a curved surface, or making a mark on a canvas that isn’t stretched perfectly taught. It’s about finding the point of contact with the material, and letting it guide you. Take the triangle shapes on the side of the cup, for instance, see how they change slightly, depending on how much space is available? Behrens’ design shares a certain spirit with the Wiener Werkstatte. The designs have a graphic quality, which creates a striking effect when repeated. It invites us to appreciate the playful aspects of repetition, and the creative possibilities that can emerge from exploring simple geometric motifs.