Tea service c. 1774 - 1778

This tea service was created in Loosdrecht, though the exact date of its creation is unknown. At the time it was produced, tea was a luxury item and a symbol of status, closely tied to colonial trade routes and the exploitation of labor in tea-producing regions. This piece reflects the complex relationship between artistry, commerce, and social hierarchy. The scenes adorning the porcelain present an interesting tension: while the fine craftsmanship and precious materials denote exclusivity, the imagery may depict idealized, yet generic, scenes of labor or rural life, creating a narrative that romanticizes the source of its wealth. Reflect on the stories objects like these tell us about the intersection of trade, taste, and the uneven distribution of wealth in the 18th century. Consider how an everyday act, like drinking tea, was deeply embedded in a global network of power and inequality.