Cup and saucer 1780 - 1795

Editor: So, this "Cup and Saucer," crafted from porcelain around 1780-1795, is really striking. It seems so delicate. I’m drawn to how commonplace it is as an object and wondering how we might elevate it to fine art? What jumps out at you? Curator: The rococo style gives us an immediate indication of the cup's cultural setting. How does the rendering of such fine decorative art speak to the lives of the individuals for whom this porcelain set was designed? This wasn't your average coffee cup. Who do you think might have enjoyed tea from this cup and saucer set? Editor: Aristocrats? Nobility, probably? Someone with enough wealth to buy decorative porcelain? Curator: Precisely! Consider the larger social and political structure that would necessitate these elaborate displays of wealth. In what ways did access to goods such as sugar and tea reinforce specific colonial hierarchies and modes of labor? Editor: So it’s not *just* a teacup. It's about wealth inequality and exploitation of labour during the colonial era? Curator: Exactly. Everyday objects can become potent reminders and reflections of larger, often unjust, historical dynamics. So how might an object like this promote future considerations for access to wealth? Editor: Wow, I would never have thought of a teacup in that way. I'll definitely look at decorative arts differently from now on! Curator: Hopefully considering the implications of access to fine goods encourages deeper inquiry in all our social systems and habits.