Cup 1760 - 1770

This porcelain cup was made in England by the Derby Porcelain Manufactory in the late 18th century. Its decoration reflects the fashion for Chinoiserie, a European interpretation of Chinese and East Asian motifs. The cup’s design includes stylized floral patterns and a figure in what might be perceived as Chinese dress. This aesthetic emerged during a period of intense global trade and colonial expansion. European manufacturers were eager to capitalize on the allure of the exotic East, often with little regard for cultural accuracy. The Derby factory, like other porcelain producers, aimed to satisfy the growing demand for luxury goods among the British middle class. The cup, therefore, speaks to both the era’s artistic tastes and its complex economic relationships. Examining documents from the period, such as trade records, factory inventories, and design books, helps us understand the social forces that shaped the production and reception of such objects. In this way, art becomes a window into the past, revealing the intricate connections between culture, commerce, and society.