Cup

Art Historical Context

This delicate porcelain cup, crafted in China between 1785 and1805, exemplifies the export porcelain that flooded Western markets during the late th and early 19th centuries. Standing just 2½ inches tall with a 2¼-inch diameter, its petite scale made it ideal for tea drinking or as a personal vessel in affluent households. The medium—fine white porcelain, likely from Jingdezhenns—highlights China's mastery of high-fired kaolin clay, producing a translucent, durable body prized for its purity and subtle glow. A distinctive coat of arms adorns the cup, a customization popular among European and...