Teacup and saucer 1770 - 1780

This teacup and saucer were produced by the Höchst Manufactory, and what captures our attention is the presence of fowl. Chickens strut across the delicate porcelain, symbols laden with cultural weight. These birds, seemingly simple farm creatures, appear in various contexts, from ancient Roman mosaics to medieval tapestries. They’ve been associated with vigilance, fertility, and even resurrection across different times and places. Think of the rooster atop church steeples or strutting proudly in weather vanes. The image of fowl digging and scratching at the ground calls to mind an archetypal desire for nourishment, reflecting our own need for sustenance and connection to the earth. Through a psychoanalytic lens, we might see it as a primal scene, evoking themes of survival and the cyclical nature of life. We see how these images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts. The image of fowl remains a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.