Chocolate cup with cover and saucer 1780 - 1790

This chocolate cup with cover and saucer was made by Crown Derby, a porcelain manufacturer in England founded in 1750. During the 18th century, chocolate was a luxury item enjoyed by the upper classes, and porcelain cups like this were a symbol of wealth and status. The cup and saucer are decorated with delicate floral patterns in pink, purple, and green, with a blue rim and gilded accents. The decoration is typical of the Rococo style, which was popular in Europe at the time. Rococo emphasized elegance, grace, and playfulness. This cup and saucer reflect the social structures of their time. The production of porcelain was a complex and expensive process, and only the wealthy could afford to purchase it. The elite used objects like this to display their wealth and taste. By studying objects like this chocolate cup, historians can learn about the social, economic, and cultural history of the past. Museum records, trade documents, and personal letters can all provide valuable insights into the world in which these objects were made and used.