Coffee Pot c. 1760

This delicate Coffee Pot was crafted by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. During the 18th century, the ritual of coffee drinking was deeply embedded in social class and colonialism. This porcelain object reflects the intersection of global trade, colonial exploitation, and domestic life. While it appears harmless, porcelain became a symbol of wealth and status. It also represents the labor and resources extracted from colonized lands. The blue floral design, reminiscent of Chinese porcelain, speaks to the global circulation of aesthetics and commodities. As coffee was enjoyed in refined European settings, it’s easy to overlook the harsh realities of plantation life, where enslaved people labored to produce it. This coffee pot invites us to consider the complex histories embedded in everyday objects. It serves as a reminder of the power dynamics and cultural exchanges that have shaped our world.