Teacup 1876 - 1896

This Coalport teacup, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, invites us to consider the interplay between form and function through its ornate design. The teacup’s dark blue ground is punctuated by a series of stylized floral motifs, rendered in raised enamel. Alternating colors of turquoise and red draw the eye across the surface, creating a visual rhythm that is both decorative and engaging. The golden rim and handle offer a contrasting opulence, framing the cup with a metallic sheen that speaks to its intended luxury. This object transcends mere utility. The teacup uses visual language of wealth and taste, reflecting the cultural values of its time. The cup's structured design presents a semiotic system where color, pattern, and material converge to communicate status and refinement. Consider how the teacup, in its delicate composition, represents not only a vessel for tea, but also a potent symbol of social rituals and aesthetic sensibilities.