Cup c. 18th century

This cup, of unknown date and maker, is deceptively simple. The floral design hints at a complex interplay between craft, commerce, and cultural exchange. Consider the cultural context in which such a piece would have been produced and used. Was it part of a tea set, embodying traditions of hospitality and social ritual? The floral motifs – are they native to the region of production, or do they suggest global trade networks and the circulation of design ideas? Without knowing the object's origin we must imagine the global reach of industrial production. To understand this cup fully, one would need to research the history of ceramics, the rise of consumer culture, and the social meanings attached to domestic objects. Only then can we appreciate the complex web of relationships embedded in this seemingly simple cup.