Mug 1710 - 1735

This porcelain mug, standing at 3 3/4 inches tall, was made by the Meissen Manufactory in the 18th century. During this period, porcelain was more than just a material; it was a symbol of status and European economic ambition, a response to the dominance of Chinese porcelain. The scene depicted here provides a glimpse into social life. We see men gathered, drinking, perhaps sealing a deal, or simply reveling in each other’s company. It begs the question, who is afforded the luxury of leisure and social exchange? Whose labor makes this gathering possible? The mug, then, becomes a canvas reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. It invites us to consider not only the artistry involved in its creation but also the complex web of social relations and economic conditions that gave rise to its existence and use. It’s a reminder that even the most mundane objects can tell profound stories about who we are and how we relate to one another.