Kop zonder oor van porselein 1774 - 1784

Editor: Here we have a porcelain "Kop zonder oor van porselein"—that's "Cup without ears made of porcelain"— dating from around 1774 to 1784, crafted by the Loosdrecht factory and housed in the Rijksmuseum. It's delicate, almost fragile in its simplicity. What secrets do you think it holds? Curator: It whispers stories of quiet mornings, doesn't it? Of powdered wigs and whispered gossip over tea. For me, it's about how something so utilitarian can become elevated to art. This isn't just a cup; it's a reflection of societal aspirations. A porcelain dream molded into reality. Notice how the cobalt blue flowers dance around the rim; almost carelessly scattered. It's a tiny garden clinging to a curve. A miniature Eden. Editor: That's a beautiful way to put it! The miniature Eden. Do you think the lack of handles changes its purpose? It looks purely decorative, or for the smallest of refreshments! Curator: It does, doesn’t it? Makes you wonder how they held it when the tea was hot. Or if they *did*. Perhaps it was more about display, showcasing the owner's wealth and refined taste. It's a game of suggestion, isn't it? Porcelain is fragile but the gold accents give it strength. You could fill this with wildflowers and call it home! It begs questions! Editor: That's a wonderful image—filling it with wildflowers. It definitely puts it in a different perspective. Now I look at it and picture more personal settings, the intimacy it carries makes the golden edges almost seem…cozy. Curator: Exactly! It has become even more special to you now that your eyes are opened to the hidden world held in the design, doesn’t it? Art transforms. Editor: I totally agree! I didn’t expect to feel so warmly toward it. What a lovely piece.