Teacup (one of 8) (part of a service) 1753 - 1774

This delicate porcelain teacup and saucer were made by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in England, sometime in the mid-18th century. Porcelain is a refined material, made by firing a mixture of clay and other minerals at high temperatures. The cup and saucer are decorated with gilding over a dark blue ground. Look closely at the details: the birds and floral motifs are meticulously hand-painted in gold. The application of these embellishments would have required considerable skill and precision. Chelsea porcelain was highly prized for its quality and artistry. The factory relied on a division of labor, with different workers specializing in different aspects of production, like moulding, firing, painting and gilding. This was typical of the period, as manufacturers sought to meet growing demand for luxury goods. Consider how the production of this teacup involved the extraction of raw materials, skilled labor, and the distribution of a finished product – all elements of a burgeoning capitalist system. Appreciating this context helps us understand the object’s full significance, beyond its aesthetic appeal.