Tea Bowl and Saucer c. 1730

This tea bowl and saucer, created around 1730 by the Du Paquier Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna, showcases the Rococo style's fascination with Chinoiserie, the European interpretation of East Asian art. The cup and saucer feature delicate black and gold designs with intricate patterns and figures in a stylized, whimsical, and elegant way, embodying the Rococo era's love for delicate ornamentation and playful subject matter. This piece reflects the growing popularity of tea drinking in Europe during the 18th century and the European fascination with the East.