Chocolate beaker and saucer 1730 - 1740

Here we have a porcelain chocolate beaker and saucer, decorated with colorful fruits and flowers, made in Vienna. It is one of many artifacts that reflects the opulent lifestyle of the upper classes, but also the history of colonialism and the exploitation of labor. During the 18th century, chocolate was a luxury item, enjoyed primarily by the aristocracy. The consumption of chocolate and the demand for elaborate porcelain, were linked to the expansion of European empires and the exploitation of resources and labor in colonized lands. This set isn't just a pretty object, it represents a complex network of global trade and social inequality. The very act of sipping chocolate from this beaker connects us to a history of privilege, prompting us to reflect on the ethical implications of luxury and consumption. It asks us to consider how everyday objects are laden with stories of power, trade, and human experience.