Tea cup (part of a service) 1755 - 1765

This porcelain teacup was made by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory between 1737 and 1896. Its surface is adorned with figures in relief, depicting scenes reminiscent of classical mythology, pastoral life, and fertility. Observe the recurring motif of the mother and child, an enduring symbol of life, nurture, and the cyclical renewal of generations. This imagery evokes not only classical ideals of domesticity and maternal virtue, but also the archetype of the Great Mother, a primordial figure representing the source of all creation. The image of the mother has appeared in various forms across cultures and eras, from ancient fertility goddesses to Renaissance Madonnas, each iteration reflecting the evolving values and anxieties of its time. This teacup bears witness to how symbols can be continually reinterpreted, reshaped, and reinvested with meaning. Consider how these archetypes affect our collective unconscious, stirring within us primal emotions and instincts. As you turn the teacup, consider the powerful, persistent, and deeply-rooted symbols it presents.