Chocolate pot (?) (part of a coffee service) 1800 - 1815

This porcelain chocolate pot was manufactured by Nymphenburg, a company founded in Germany in 1747. Hard-paste porcelain requires great skill to produce, involving the precise mixing and firing of kaolin clay, feldspar, and quartz. This results in a translucent, delicate yet durable material, perfect for luxury tableware. The pot’s surface is decorated with classical figures, adding to its refined aesthetic. The production of such an object was labor-intensive, involving mold-making, casting, painting, and multiple firings in a kiln. The division of labor in factories like Nymphenburg meant that workers specialized in particular tasks, contributing to efficient production. These objects were aimed at elite consumers who enjoyed hot beverages like coffee, tea, and chocolate, and signaled one's wealth and social standing. Considering the material and the intricate processes behind its creation allows us to appreciate the social context in which this chocolate pot was made.