Cup and saucer 1745 - 1755

This refined cup and saucer, crafted by Mennecy, compels us to explore the interplay between form and function. Executed in white porcelain, the set utilizes texture and shape to transform everyday objects into a display of restrained elegance. Notice how the vertical ribs on the cup create a tactile experience, contrasting with the smooth band adorned with subtle floral motifs. The saucer echoes this attention to detail, with radiating lines emerging from its center, suggesting movement and expansion. This piece engages with the broader philosophical discourse around consumerism and cultural value. The whiteness of the porcelain also speaks to the ideals of purity and simplicity, common in the decorative arts. The absence of color directs our focus to the form itself. This cup and saucer exist not merely as functional objects, but as artifacts that prompt us to consider the historical and cultural factors shaping our perception of beauty and utility.