Coffeepot 1735 - 1745

This coffeepot was made in England sometime in the first half of the 18th century by John Astbury from earthenware with applied molded decorations. Coffee consumption was closely tied to the emerging culture of commerce and intellectual exchange centered in coffee houses, the art world, and the political sphere. The coffeepot reflects this, as the rising popularity of coffee necessitated specialized vessels for serving it. Astbury's coffeepot also speaks to the economic conditions of its time. The red earthenware resembles more expensive Chinese red stoneware that was imported to England at the time. By imitating the appearance of imported goods, Astbury was catering to a growing consumer culture. Art historians delve into sources such as trade records, consumer surveys, and archaeological evidence to better understand the cultural context surrounding an object like this. The coffeepot is more than just a vessel, it is a piece of social history.