Cup 1725 - 1740

This delicate cup was made in Vienna using porcelain, its surface adorned with intricate openwork and painted floral motifs. The Vienna Porcelain Manufactory, established in 1718, was a significant institution, closely tied to the Habsburg monarchy, and instrumental in shaping the artistic tastes of the Austrian elite. Looking closely, the cup’s design speaks to the cultural values of its time. The floral patterns and delicate craftsmanship reflect the Rococo style, popular among the aristocracy, who prized elegance and refinement. Porcelain itself was a luxury good, symbolizing wealth and status, and the factory in Vienna was where such status was accrued. Cups like these were status symbols and the decorative choices reflect the aesthetic preferences of the elite. By studying pieces like this in conjunction with other historical sources, such as trade records, and design pattern books, we can better understand the social and economic context in which it was produced and consumed.