Coffee Cup and Saucer 1885

This coffee cup and saucer were made by the Union Porcelain Works, which operated from 1863 to 1922. The pieces were slip-cast in molds, then fired, glazed, and decorated with underglaze printing and hand-painted details. Porcelain like this was an aspirational material. Its smooth, white surface lent an air of refinement, and the gold trim suggested luxury. But this belies the industrialized process by which it was made. The Union Porcelain Works was one of many potteries that sought to democratize ceramics by making it widely available through mass production. The company employed both skilled artisans and unskilled laborers. These factory workers often worked long hours in difficult conditions to produce large quantities of relatively affordable wares for a growing middle class. By understanding the context in which this seemingly simple object was made, we can appreciate the complex interplay between art, craft, and industry in shaping our everyday lives.