Cup 1848 - 1856

This delicate porcelain cup was produced by the Charles Cartlidge and Company sometime between 1848 and 1856. At the time of its creation, ceramic production reflected broader trends in design and manufacturing in the United States. The floral motifs and gilded detailing are so visually pleasing. Yet, these objects also served as symbols of status and aspiration. They allowed individuals to perform gentility and taste, reflecting gendered expectations of domesticity. The ability to afford and display such items was intrinsically linked to class and economic standing. The gold interior of the cup hints at global networks of trade and labor. So much history is contained within this small object. Its beauty invites us to reflect on the ways in which everyday items can be imbued with layers of social meaning.