Cup and saucer 1717 - 1720

This cup and saucer were produced by the Meissen Manufactory in Germany in the 18th century. The delicate porcelain and refined decoration speak to the social rituals of the time. Tea, coffee, and chocolate were luxury goods that became fashionable in Europe, and porcelain vessels like these were central to their consumption. The Meissen factory was the first in Europe to discover the formula for hard-paste porcelain, giving it a competitive edge. Note the gilded patterns, and the pink enamel, reflecting the wealth and status of its owner. Such objects were not simply functional; they were potent symbols of social status, and the rituals surrounding their use reinforced social hierarchies. By studying such objects and the historical records of their production and consumption, we can gain insights into the social values and power dynamics of the 18th century. The historian can trace the circulation of goods and ideas and understand the ways in which art objects shape and reflect social life.