Cup and saucer 1882 - 1890

This cup and saucer was made by Ott and Brewer, an American company operating in the late 19th century. They specialized in what was called Belleek ware, a type of porcelain that mimicked the look of Irish ceramics. This set is made from delicate porcelain, and it's been adorned with a stylized leaf pattern in gold, white, and pink. Notice the precision of the design, achieved through careful painting and glazing. This kind of decorative work required skilled hands and a keen eye, reflecting a society that increasingly valued handcraft within industrial production. The labor that went into producing pieces like this speaks to a particular moment in American history, when manufacturers sought to compete with European luxury goods. Mass production was on the rise, but there was still a market for objects that bore the mark of human skill. So, the next time you see a teacup, remember that it is not just an object but also the product of human labor.