Coffee Cup c. 1740

This octagonal-shaped, cream-colored, "Coffee Cup" (c. 1740) is an example of salt-glazed stoneware from the 18th century. The cup is decorated with a molded design of various scenes depicting Chinese life. The cup exemplifies the 18th-century fascination with Asian art and culture, known as Chinoiserie. This style, characterized by its decorative motifs inspired by East Asian art, was popular throughout Europe during this period. This cup is part of the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art.