Cup and saucer 1750 - 1765

Curator: Here we have a stunning example of Rococo decorative art, a porcelain cup and saucer made around 1750 to 1765, currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artisan behind this work is Johann Philip Dannhofer. Editor: The craftsmanship here is superb. It looks so delicate; one can almost feel the smoothness of the ceramic just by looking at it. Curator: Precisely. Notice the intricate details in the cup’s design—the Chinoiserie scene depicting figures reminiscent of Asian art painted with such delicate precision. The symmetry is beautiful. Editor: And look at the handles, their graceful, almost organic curve; and I love the material execution, each stroke is precise. It's an interesting contrast of European design reflecting a fascination with other cultures. Curator: Indeed. The swirling, ornate pattern on the lower part of the cup creates a structured yet fanciful form. There’s an elegance to it, a very deliberate aesthetic choice typical of the era. The piece appears to question the hierarchical distinction between fine art and artisanal craft through its materiality. Editor: Absolutely. Consider the labor invested in this—from forming the clay to firing, glazing, and hand-painting these scenes. Porcelain was once a luxurious import, a symbol of status achieved through the subjugated labor, and controlled trade. The scenes here, while fanciful, also engage with those very processes. Curator: So the cup is a symbol of both delicate beauty and a history of complex systems of value and exchange. I appreciate the cup so much more knowing more about the object's historical circumstances and materials. Editor: Yes, examining it through the lens of production deepens its significance. This dialogue highlights how both intrinsic form and making come together to give us a more complete picture.