Cup (part of a service) 1765 - 1775

This porcelain cup, part of a service, was made by the Frankenthal Porcelain Manufactory. Note the delicate depiction of birds perched amongst foliage; a motif laden with meaning across cultures. Birds, often seen as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms, have appeared in art since antiquity. Their presence here, like the dove in Christian iconography symbolizing peace, adds a layer of tranquility and aspiration. The foliage too, suggests themes of growth and renewal. Consider how similar motifs appear in Japanese woodblock prints, where birds and flowers—kacho-ga—evoke fleeting beauty. The symbolic weight of these images, passed down through history, showcases our shared human desire to capture and contemplate the natural world. The cup's design speaks to an emotional and psychological yearning for harmony and connection, a silent dialogue that transcends time.