Sauceboat from the St. Andrew Service 1744 - 1755

This is a porcelain sauceboat, part of the St. Andrew Service, made by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. The whiteness of the piece is immediately striking, accented by delicate gold leafing along its rim and base. The smooth, reflective surface plays with light, creating a sense of opulent restraint. Note the symmetrical composition, with handles that mirror each other, creating balance. However, this symmetry is disrupted by asymmetrical groupings of heraldic symbols that are painted with a rich color palette. This interplay between order and variance destabilizes fixed, conventional interpretations. This destabilization is further reinforced by the textured surface of the porcelain, contrasting with the smooth glazed areas. Here, porcelain is not just a medium, but a signifier of cultural sophistication and power. The St. Andrew Service uses the semiotic language of wealth and status, reflecting the complex cultural codes of its time.