Teapot 1730 - 1735

This is a porcelain teapot, standing just over 5 inches tall, made in Vienna. Though the exact date of its creation is unknown, pieces like this were often made to reflect the social rituals of its time. It’s hard to miss the images decorating its dark brown panels. They offer a glimpse into the leisurely lives of the elite. One panel shows a woman seated in a garden, served by an attendant. This scene represents the cultural norms of the time, reflecting the gender roles and class distinctions prevalent in Viennese society. The teapot itself would have been a symbol of status, adorning the tables of wealthy households. The very act of sharing tea became associated with intimacy, status, and social ceremony. Consider the cultural narrative embedded in this object. How does it uphold or challenge the status quo of its era? It allows us to reflect on our own contemporary rituals, and consider what objects will come to represent our time.