Cup 1758 - 1776

This cup, made by the Tournai manufactory, is an example of porcelain production in 18th-century Belgium. Decoration on porcelain in this era served as a status symbol, reflecting wealth and cultural sophistication. Note how the pastoral scenes depicted on the cup and saucer draw on imagery from both European and East Asian traditions. During this period, elite Europeans frequently appropriated Asian motifs and styles. The transfer of Chinese porcelain production technology to Europe was a complex economic exchange that also impacted social hierarchies, consumer culture and artistic innovation. To fully appreciate the social and cultural context of such an object, historians often consult a range of sources, from trade records and factory inventories to fashion plates, literature, and paintings. Understanding this cup requires recognizing its place within global networks of trade and cultural exchange, as well as the social institutions that shaped its production and consumption.