Knife c. 1760

This knife was made by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company, though we don’t know exactly when. The handle, made of porcelain, is decorated with a charming blue floral pattern. This seemingly simple object speaks volumes about the time and place of its manufacture. Porcelain, once a closely guarded secret of Chinese potters, became a sought-after commodity in Europe, and companies like Worcester emerged to meet this demand. The blue floral design is a nod to the influence of Chinese porcelain on European aesthetics. The existence of this knife reflects the rising wealth and social stratification of British society. Such a knife would be a common sight in the homes of the increasingly affluent middle classes. Historical records, company archives, and museum collections can provide more context. Only through considering these resources can we more fully understand the social, economic, and artistic factors that led to the creation of such a common, yet culturally resonant, object.