Cup and saucer 1735 - 1750

This porcelain cup and saucer were produced by the Meissen Manufactory. The objects present a study in contrasts, despite their intended harmony as a set. The cup, cylindrical yet subtly ornamented, is grounded by its sturdy base and handle, decorated in dark florals across the body. Conversely, the saucer opts for a flatter plane, with a central medallion that grounds the composition with geometric precision. Note how the circular form is disrupted by the ornate, curvilinear patterns that sprawl across its surface, creating a push and pull between order and chaos. Observe the way in which the maker experiments with the interplay between positive and negative space. This simple set is not just a functional item but a dialogue on containment versus expansion, geometric versus organic. Its historical context is a study in luxury, taste, and artistic expression.