Three Designs for Decorated Cups 1845 - 1855

This sheet of paper presents three cup designs created by Alfred Henry Forrester. The cups are carefully arranged in a vertical composition, and each showcases intricate decorative patterns using watercolor and graphite. The designs use a semiotic system of colours to establish a specific cultural and aesthetic context. The ornate details—gold filigree, floral patterns, and vibrant hues—speak to an aesthetic of luxury. The cups invite us to decode how design elements reflect social values and aspirations of the time, especially concerning domestic life and the rituals of tea drinking. The formal repetition of cup shapes against the neutral background emphasizes the individual decoration of each. This reflects an interest in mass production alongside a desire to maintain unique artistry. The artwork then doesn't just depict cups; it questions the relationship between art, commerce, and cultural identity.