Cream Boat c. 1765

This Cream Boat was made by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company, but without a date we can only suggest it was made sometime in the 18th century. Cream boats like this one were more than just functional objects; they were symbols of status and luxury in the homes of the wealthy. During the 1700s, the rise of the middle class created new patterns of consumption, and decorative pieces like this became highly sought after. Consider how gender and class intersect here. The act of serving and consuming cream, often associated with refinement and femininity, speaks to the rituals of the upper class. The very material from which it's made, porcelain, was exotic and expensive, reinforcing its exclusivity. The whimsical, brightly colored design could have been intended to delight and amuse guests, sparking conversations and displaying the owner's taste and wealth. In its own way, this Cream Boat presents a narrative of aspiration, reflecting the values and desires of a society in transition.