Tea Bowl and Dish c. 1784 - 1795

This tea bowl and dish, of unknown date, were created by a Chinese artist. During the 18th and 19th centuries, objects like this were created for export, reflecting the global trade networks that connected China with the West. This piece invites us to consider the cultural exchanges and power dynamics at play during this period. Tea drinking, popularized in Europe, fueled a demand for Chinese porcelain. The decoration, which depicts a ship named 'Oliver,' suggests the personalized touch often requested by Western traders. However, this seemingly innocuous object also has complex layers. The ship, a symbol of commerce and exploration, also evokes the history of colonialism and the exploitation of labor. The tea itself, a commodity desired across social classes, ties the artwork to histories of trade, cultural exchange and colonial expansion. This tea bowl and saucer remind us that even everyday objects can carry profound stories, reflecting the intricate intersections of culture, commerce, and power.