Saucière 1735 - 1737

Curator: How exquisite—the porcelain almost glows. It’s a "Saucière" made by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Editor: The delicate patterns make it look like something from a fairy tale. What do you make of it? Curator: The floral patterns and mythical creatures are charged with meaning. Notice the deer, a symbol of grace and gentleness. Editor: Interesting how the handle looks almost architectural, like a miniature monument to the art of sauce making. Curator: Yes, Meissen was all about alchemy—turning base materials into social currency. It's as much about status as it is about sauce. Editor: All this refinement masks the brutal labor required to extract and manipulate kaolin. Were these objects designed to impress or oppress? Curator: Perhaps a bit of both. But it reminds me that even utilitarian objects can reflect profound cultural ideals. Editor: Indeed, and that every stage of production matters. Now I find myself questioning the symbolism behind the sauces themselves.