Pair of miniature vases 1725 - 1735

Curator: Here we have a pair of miniature vases crafted by the Meissen Manufactory, dating roughly from 1725 to 1735. They reside here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: Porcelain and people, what a pairing! The glaze appears uniform. The scenes seem intricate for such small vessels. The scale is immediately striking; they must be exquisite in person. Curator: Indeed, Meissen was at the forefront of European porcelain production, and these vases exemplify the rococo style's love for detail and asymmetry. Consider how the figurative decoration speaks to a culture of courtly display. These weren't simply vases; they were statements of power and taste. Editor: Agreed, it is impossible to ignore the power they hold by being made from a luxury material such as porcelain! And I find that the decorative motifs give insight into that period, from dress to leisure, the human figure dictates how this form must curve. It almost feels as though these figures support and give way to the object's ultimate function, their painted black forms adding to its strength. Curator: Precisely! The Chinoiserie elements reflect a broader European fascination with East Asia during the 18th century. However, Meissen reimagines this aesthetic through a European lens, appropriating and transforming cultural symbols. Editor: Do you think there are specific philosophical ideologies depicted in those frames? Curator: Probably a blend of current trends within Europe; social stratification dictated taste just as much as cultural fascination dictated iconography. That's how aristocratic society maintained itself. Editor: Interesting; thank you for pointing that out to me. After observing them closely, I admire these miniature vases. Their formal elegance juxtaposed with scenes of everyday life makes for captivating design. Curator: And hopefully helps us understand their history a bit better. Thank you for your time.