Cup and saucer 1825

This cup and saucer, by an anonymous maker, were made from delicate porcelain. Porcelain is created by firing refined clay at high temperatures. Porcelain's smooth, white surface takes color beautifully, as we can see in the gilded surface and painted floral motifs. It was a prized material in the 18th and 19th centuries, as it was associated with luxury, trade and global commerce. The techniques and the material are important, but so is the context: porcelain tableware emerged as part of a culture of conspicuous consumption. The rise of the middle class meant more people wanted access to luxury goods like these, and factories churned out vast quantities to meet the demand. So, while this cup and saucer might seem precious and unique, it's also a product of its time, enmeshed in broader social issues related to labor, trade, and the democratization of luxury. Recognizing the artistry and the industrial forces at play allows us to fully appreciate its cultural significance.