Cup and Saucer 1879 - 1883

This ceramic cup and saucer was made by Chelsea Keramic Art Works sometime between 1872 and 1889. Notice how the overall impression is one of tactile geometry. The cup, almost square at its base, rises to a circular rim, challenging our expectations of domestic pottery. The surface is uniformly textured with a pattern resembling a cellular structure. This invokes a kind of organic modernism, where the functional object is merged with abstract, natural forms. The glaze, a muted green, enhances the play of light and shadow across the uneven surface, underscoring the modernist principle of truth to materials. The artist’s choice to disrupt the conventional curves of a teacup with geometric facets destabilizes the familiar, inviting us to reconsider the everyday object. This piece isn't merely functional; it’s a statement about form and function, a semiotic object reflecting broader shifts in art and design during the late 19th century.