Kussen van tête-à-tête 1775 - 1778

This pillow was manufactured by the Kaiserliche Porzellanmanufaktur, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The phrase 'tête-à-tête' literally means 'head-to-head' in French. It suggests intimate conversation and private moments. The cultural context of the pillow involves the rise of bourgeois domesticity and the emphasis on comfort, privacy, and emotional expression within the home. Such an object might have been placed on a sofa or chair in a parlor, inviting close conversation. The choice of the French term 'tête-à-tête' reflects the cultural prestige of France among the European upper classes. This was a time when French language and manners were fashionable. Objects like this can reveal a lot about the values and aspirations of the people who used them. Careful historical research helps us to understand their significance.