Cup from a Chocolatiére Set 1901 - 1902

This cup from a chocolatière set was made by Maurice Dufrène, a prominent figure in the Art Deco movement. While its exact date is unknown, it embodies the aesthetic and cultural values of the early 20th century. Consider the historical context of this piece, a period of industrial expansion alongside the rise of consumer culture. Chocolate, once a luxury reserved for the aristocracy, was becoming more accessible. Artisans like Dufrène created objects that elevated everyday rituals into expressions of taste and status. The silver and porcelain materials speak to a desire for refined living, reflecting the aspirations of a burgeoning middle class. What narratives do these objects construct around gender and domesticity? How does it feel to imagine holding this cup, warm in your hands, as part of a social ritual? Dufrène’s cup connects us to a time of social transformation, inviting us to consider the complex relationship between luxury, identity, and the performance of daily life.