Cup and saucer 1933

This cup and saucer, made by Frank Graham Holmes, are likely crafted from porcelain, a refined type of ceramic prized for its smooth texture and delicate appearance. The imagery on the cup is a transfer-printed design of Santa Barbara Mission, showcasing the artist's engagement with both place and reproduction. Consider the means of production. Porcelain manufacture often involves industrial processes and some handcraft, where artisans apply transfers and embellishments. The monochrome print adds a layer of visual interest, with an economy of color that contrasts with the labor of the decoration process. By imbuing a mass-produced object with the depiction of this mission, Holmes transforms the cup and saucer into a keepsake. This challenges the distinction between functional design and art, while inviting reflection on how we value and engage with our cultural heritage.