Cup and saucer 1725 - 1735

Curator: Here we have a "Cup and saucer," dating from 1725 to 1735 and made by the Meissen Manufactory. The set is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s rendered in porcelain and showcases aspects of Rococo style. Editor: Isn't it lovely? It’s like a fleeting moment captured in porcelain. So delicate and charming! A tiny world painted on something so small and precious. It makes me think of secret rendezvous and stolen kisses. Curator: Indeed. Let's consider the forms at play. The set is not merely functional but sculptural. Notice the molded, lobed edges and the asymmetry inherent in the painted decoration. These attributes are emblematic of Rococo art, defying strict geometrical order in favor of dynamism. Editor: Absolutely. That playful asymmetry dances across the pristine white canvas, creating such visual pleasure! The gentle curves soften what could've been angular, giving the whole set a flirtatious energy. I find myself utterly charmed. Curator: Consider, too, the deployment of color. The restrained palette accentuates the white porcelain body, enhancing the tactile quality of the pieces. Observe that the orange bird contrasts against the neutral ground, drawing the eye and directing our reading of the piece as a whole. The rendering of the foliage, using orange, green, and blue, adds subtle but enriching tones. Editor: The brushstrokes on the bird have an immediacy; it looks as if the bird could take flight right off the plate! I like to imagine who painted that, maybe humming while working to create that whimsical world, adding such beauty to a functional object. Curator: We can deduce much by the careful study of details. These details showcase a masterful grasp of material properties. Porcelain allowed for incredible detail but was still able to retain fragility and translucence. Editor: For me, porcelain sings with elegance, capturing the artful balance between nature and human expression. Gazing at this little cup and saucer offers more than meets the eye. It connects you to history with every detail, telling silent, potent stories.