Cup with vertical borders c. 1765 - 1770

This is a porcelain cup with vertical borders created by Porzellanmanufaktur Frankenthal. Its striking feature is the rhythmic alternation of white, gold, and blue vertical bands, creating a visually stimulating pattern. The cup plays with ideas of structure and ornamentation. The formal arrangement of vertical lines is disrupted by the organic, floral patterns painted in cobalt blue and gold. These floral designs soften the rigidity of the stripes, offering a contrast between geometric order and natural forms. The structure of the cup becomes a canvas where the artist explores the tension between control and fluidity. Note how the repetitive nature of the stripes and flowers creates a sense of movement around the cup. The cup invites us to consider how such patterns challenge fixed meanings, suggesting that beauty lies in the dynamic interplay between various elements.