Mug 1863

This elegant mug was made by Karl L. H. Müller, sometime in the mid-19th century. It’s porcelain, fired to a high temperature to give it that characteristic smoothness and translucency. But what really grabs the eye is the decoration. Notice the raised, sculpted figure on the side, and the bands of painted ornament. This wasn't just a matter of slapping some paint on a pre-made form. The fine details suggest the use of molds for the body and handle, with skilled hands carefully applying the relief decoration and colorful patterns. The decorators would have needed a steady hand and a keen eye. Consider, too, how this mug would have been used. Likely it was made for a middle-class customer, someone who wanted to enjoy their drink in style, but couldn’t necessarily afford solid silver or gold. The mug represents a moment when industry started to make luxury available to a wider range of people. It challenges how we perceive the world of decorative arts, which is just as valid as that of fine arts.