Mug 1765 - 1775

This 18th-century porcelain mug, made by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company, is a fine example of English ceramics. The emerald green body contrasts with the white porcelain, and the gold-gilded rococo frame around the central bird design gives the mug a sense of luxury. The detailed bird paintings, with their vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes, show the craftsmanship of the period, which aimed to imitate the artistic styles of Continental Europe. This mug, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the growing popularity of porcelain during the 18th century.