Teacup and saucer 1802 - 1815

This exquisite teacup and saucer were made by Barr, Flight, and Barr, using fine porcelain. Porcelain, as a material, signifies luxury. Its creation involves a complex dance of chemistry and heat, transforming humble clay into a translucent, resonant material. Notice how the inherent qualities of the porcelain—its smoothness, its ability to take delicate color—lend themselves to the refined aesthetic of this set. The gilding, too, speaks to the high value placed on these wares. Consider the labor involved: from mining the raw materials to the skilled hands that shaped, fired, and decorated each piece. Sets like these reflect the social hierarchies of their time, intended for the leisurely enjoyment of the upper classes. They speak to the consumerism of the period, and the desire to own objects that are both beautiful and functional. This teacup and saucer invite us to consider how materials, making, and social context intertwine.