Cup (part of a service) 1765 - 1775

This delicate cup, part of a service, was crafted by the Frankenthal Porcelain Manufactory. The cup's surface is dominated by the monochrome painting of birds perched on branches, offering a glimpse into nature, yet it also serves as an exploration of form and representation. The shape of the cup creates a convex canvas, subtly distorting the painted scene. The birds and foliage are not merely decorative; they interact with the cup's form, creating a dynamic interplay between the object's shape and its painted imagery. The cup is more than a vessel, it's a study in the semiotics of design. The monochrome palette strips away distractions, leaving us to consider the underlying structure, and the relationship between form and function. The cup invites us to consider how art shapes our perception and how we, in turn, shape its meaning through use and interpretation.