Teapot c. 1770

This Teapot was made by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company from fine, white porcelain, and decorated with colorful enamels and gilding. The body of the teapot was formed using liquid clay poured into a plaster mold. Once it dried, the form was removed and fired at a high temperature, resulting in a hard, non-porous material. The handle and spout were probably cast separately, and then attached with more liquid clay before firing. Skilled artisans then applied the decoration, using tiny brushes to create the floral motifs in shades of pink, enriched with gold highlights. The labor required for this teapot's manufacture, from the initial clay mixing to the delicate painting, reflects the intense division of labor characteristic of industrial production. The result is a mass-produced object with a handmade feel, pointing to porcelain's complex status: both luxury item and commodity, artistic achievement and industrial product. Considering materials, making, and context reveals the intricate balance between artistry, industry, and social status inherent in this object, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.