Kussen van tête-à-tête 1775 - 1778

This cushion was made by the Kaiserliche Porzellanmanufaktur. Cushions like these were likely used in intimate settings where people came together, be it in romantic encounters or in domestic settings. In a world that has often prescribed specific roles and spaces for men and women, an object like this can be a lens through which we can consider gender dynamics. How might the act of reclining on such a cushion differ based on one's gender identity? The softness and comfort it offers can be seen as an invitation to relax and share confidences, perhaps challenging the traditional notions of formality and reserve. While seemingly simple, this 'tête-à-tête' cushion could have been a silent witness to personal histories, embodying stories of love, friendship, or even quiet introspection. How does this object invite us to reflect on our own relationships and personal spaces?