Cup and Saucer c. 1725

This cup and saucer was produced in Vienna by the Du Paquier Porcelain Manufactory in the early 18th century. It demonstrates the global reach of trade in luxury goods, and the central role of art and design in establishing social status. The cup and saucer's delicate porcelain body and painted decoration create meaning through visual codes and cultural references. Notice the Imari style decorations - a style of porcelain that became very popular in Europe at the time. It emulates the Japanese ceramics that were imported by the Dutch East India Company. As a result, it speaks to the way in which non-western art was being received and appropriated by European audiences. Art historians can examine factory records, trade documents, and even fashion magazines to better understand the social and institutional contexts in which pieces like this were made, bought, and sold. By understanding the dynamics of global trade in the 1700’s, we can get a clearer sense of the social life of art.