Cup c. early 18th century

Editor: Here we have a porcelain cup from the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. It's quite small, with delicate floral designs. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The production process is key. Meissen was Europe's first producer of true porcelain, breaking China's monopoly. Think about the labor involved, the specialized knowledge, and the intense competition to replicate the material itself. Editor: So, it’s less about the aesthetic and more about the means of production? Curator: Precisely. Porcelain wasn't just a material; it was a symbol of power and wealth, linked to global trade and colonial endeavors. The cup embodies the social relations of production. Editor: I see. It's fascinating to consider the cup as a product of global exchange rather than simply an object of beauty.