Teacup, Coffee Cup, and Saucer c. 1775

This teacup, coffee cup, and saucer were made of porcelain by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. Porcelain is made from a mixture of kaolin clay, and a specific type of granite known as petuntse. The appeal of porcelain lies in its smooth, almost glass-like surface, the product of high firing in a kiln, and the way it can be painted with intricate designs. As you can see, the cups and saucers are decorated with floral motifs and gold detailing, which would have been meticulously applied by skilled artisans. Worcester, like other porcelain manufacturers, depended on a supply chain that extended around the world, as well as a well-managed workforce. The act of drinking from a cup like this subtly incorporates this history, reminding us that even the most beautiful objects are tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Appreciating the skill and effort involved in their making challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.