Saucer c. 18th century

This delicate saucer was made by the Worcester Porcelain Works in England, a company established in 1751. The blue and white pattern, so reminiscent of Chinese porcelain, speaks volumes about global trade and cultural exchange in the 18th century. The Worcester factory, like many others in Europe, was trying to replicate the prized porcelain imported from China. This wasn't just about aesthetics. It was about economics, national pride, and access to luxury goods that were becoming increasingly popular among the British elite. The social conditions that shaped the production of this saucer were deeply intertwined with colonialism and the rise of a consumer culture. If you want to delve deeper, look into the history of the British East India Company and the porcelain trade. You might also explore the class dynamics of 18th-century Britain and the growing demand for refined goods. Through such research, we can appreciate how even a simple saucer can reflect complex social and institutional histories.