Beaker and saucer 1720 - 1727

This beaker and saucer was made in Venice, Italy, by the Vezzi Factory sometime between 1720 and 1727. The hard-paste porcelain features delicate floral decorations, reflecting a broader European fascination with East Asian ceramics. The story of this object goes beyond aesthetics. In the 18th century, porcelain was a luxury item, and its production was shrouded in industrial secrecy. Factories like Vezzi's were attempting to replicate the coveted porcelain of China and Japan. Their activity highlights the economic and cultural dynamics of the time, as European manufacturers sought to compete in the global market for luxury goods. The floral motifs themselves carry cultural weight. Porcelain became a canvas for displaying wealth, status, and taste. To fully understand this beaker and saucer, we might consult historical records, trade documents, and design books of the period. These things help us uncover the complex social meanings embedded in even the most seemingly simple artworks.