Teacup (part of a service)
ca. 1780–85
Medium
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions
Height: 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Porcelain
Culture
German, Meissen
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number
1974.356.472
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite teacup, part of a porcelain tea service from the Meissenufactory during the Marcolini Periodca. 1780–85), captures the elegance of late 18th-century German craftsmanship. Standing just 2 inches tall and made of hard-paste—a durable, translucent material that revolutionized European ceramics by mimicking prized Chinese imports—Meissen's pieces like this were luxury goods for the aristocracy. Delicately painted birds adorn its surface, a hallmark motif showcasing the factory's mastery of fine enamel techniques. Founded in 1710 near Dresden, Meissen was Europe's pioneer in hard-pa...
About the Artist
Meissen Manufactory|Marcolini Period · 1710–present
The Meissen Manufactory, established on June 6, 1710, by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, marked the dawn of true hard-paste porcelain production in Europe. Nestled at Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen near Dresden, the Royal Polish and Electoral Saxon Porcelain Manufactory arose from alchemical experiments begun in 1708 by physicist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and p...