Tea service c. 1774 - 1778

This tea service was made by Loosdrecht, using delicate porcelain. The fine material is coated in a glossy glaze and decorated with hand-painted scenes. Porcelain, also known as ‘white gold’ due to its expense, was a coveted luxury item for wealthy Europeans. This tea service, likely produced in the late 18th century, reflects the rising popularity of tea drinking and the associated social rituals. The delicate material influenced its appearance, dictating the refinement of its shapes and ornamentation. The making of porcelain was a highly skilled tradition involving complex processes. Potters, painters, and kiln operators would have collaborated to achieve the final result. Mass-produced in factories, these items were the product of exploited labor and were also tied to colonialism. By considering the materials, making process, and historical context, we see how this seemingly innocuous object embodies complex social dynamics.