Kop, beschilderd met bloemen c. 1880

This is a cup, painted with flowers, made by De Porceleijne Fles. Cups like this offer a glimpse into the historical context of global trade and cultural exchange. Objects like these cups, often found in well-to-do households, were not merely functional items; they were emblems of status. The floral motifs, meticulously hand-painted, reflect the era’s fascination with the natural world and a desire to bring elements of it into the domestic sphere. Consider the hands that crafted and used this object – the skilled artisans, perhaps working in less than ideal conditions, and the individuals who enjoyed the tea or coffee it held. This cup invites us to reflect on the intersection of art, labor, and consumption, and to consider the stories of those whose lives were intertwined with its existence.