Teacup and saucer 1770 - 1780

This teacup and saucer were made around 1770 at the Höchst Manufactory in Germany, crafted from delicate porcelain. Porcelain's creation was a highly specialized process. Raw materials like kaolin and petuntse were meticulously combined, fired at high temperatures, and then hand-painted with colorful scenes of birds. Note the fine brushwork and detail. This wasn't just about making dishes; it was about showing off technical skill and the natural resources a kingdom could access. Porcelain was luxury ware, adorning aristocratic tables, and these items reflect the social hierarchies of the time. They demonstrate the immense labor involved, from mining raw materials to the artistry of the painted decoration. These objects blur the lines between craft and fine art, as the immense amount of work involved in production gives them a deeper social meaning.