Saucer 1735 - 1745

This saucer was made by the Meissen Manufactory, a German porcelain company, established in 1710. During this time, the decorative arts were not merely aesthetic pursuits; they served as potent signifiers of status, wealth, and cultural capital within the European aristocracy. The monochrome palette and delicate brushwork present an idyllic river scene framed by elaborate ornamentation. These kinds of scenes can be found across different kinds of decorative pieces. The people, though small, are neatly placed on the river bank. Consider the role of craftsmanship in shaping cultural identity, where the skill and artistry embedded in such pieces could reflect the values and aspirations of a society. Reflect on how an object like this, seemingly benign, can tell us a great deal about power structures, class divisions, and the ways in which societies construct their identities through material culture.