Coffee cup (part of a service) 1775 - 1795

This coffee cup was produced by the Caughley Factory between 1772 and 1799 using a mold and painted decoration. The cup is made from fine porcelain, a material prized for its smooth, white surface and ability to hold hot liquids, and the handle has been seamlessly attached to the body of the cup. The process of making porcelain was complex and labor-intensive, involving the careful mixing of clay, shaping, firing at high temperatures, and delicate hand-painting. Here, a swag of husks has been added in black and grey. Each stage required skilled artisans who had often spent years mastering their craft. This cup speaks to the rise of factories like Caughley, and a growing consumer culture in the 18th century. Consider the skilled labor and global trade networks that made this cup possible, from the extraction of raw materials to the final product on a wealthy person’s table. It is a reminder that even everyday objects can have deep connections to society, labor, and the making process.