Tea cup (part of a service) 1755 - 1765

This teacup is an example of Doccia porcelain, made sometime between 1737 and 1896. The cup is decorated with a scene in relief, a technique where the design projects outward from the surface. Note the dynamic composition wrapping around the cup’s curved form. Classical figures and winged creatures are rendered with high detail, creating a three-dimensional tableau. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to accentuate the depth and texture of the figures. Consider how the raised relief affects our perception of space, drawing the eye in and around the cup, and how the tactile quality invites touch. The cup embodies the luxury and refinement associated with porcelain. It challenges our ideas about function and art, blending form and decoration, and asking us to see the beauty in the everyday. The cup is not merely a drinking vessel, but a cultural object.