Mug 1720 - 1730

This 18th-century porcelain mug from Vienna, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a prime example of European fascination with East Asian aesthetics. The mug, shaped like a barrel, is decorated with Chinoiserie motifs, featuring a landscape with a bridge, flowers, and a figure in traditional Chinese dress. The elaborate, scroll-shaped handle adds to the decorative appeal of the mug. This decorative piece reflects the growing popularity of Asian-inspired designs in European art during this period.