Cup and saucer 1760 - 1770

This cup and saucer was produced by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory between 1744 and 1784, and it is made of soft-paste porcelain. The incredibly refined, smooth surface of the porcelain hints at the high level of skill involved in its production. Porcelain requires careful mixing of clay and then firing at high temperatures. This particular example, made in London, has been embellished with cobalt blue and gold decoration. These would have been applied carefully by hand, requiring precise motor skills from the decorators. The scenes of stylized birds and flowers are typical of the Rococo style, which prized delicacy and ornamentation. What is interesting is the way in which this kind of luxury item was produced and consumed. The division of labor in the factory would have been highly specialized, with different workers responsible for each stage of the process, which can be understood within a wider social context of production for wealthy consumers. Examining the materials, making, and social context gives us a richer understanding of its cultural significance, rather than viewing it as simply a decorative object.