Miniature cup 1714 - 1715

This miniature cup was made by William Fleming, a silversmith active in the early 18th century. During this time, the status and wealth of families was often displayed through silver tableware. Reflect on the intersection of class and gender in the 1700's, when the display of such items were especially meaningful. Consumption of tea, coffee, and chocolate, once exotic luxuries, created social rituals where women played key roles. A cup like this might have been part of a larger set, used within domestic spaces that were largely overseen by women. Consider the emotional connection to heirlooms like this. They were often passed down through generations, embodying family history and social standing. Fleming's cup reflects the intimate and social worlds of the elite during a period defined by evolving trade and changing social customs.