Cup and Saucer

Art Historical Context

This elegant cup and saucer, produced around 1815 by the renowned Wedgwood Manufactory, exemplifies the refined porcelain tableware that defined early 19th-century European dining. Crafted from fine porcelain and adorned with polychrome enam and delicate gilding the set reflects the’s taste for luxurious yet objects. Its modest dimensions—suitable for tea or coffee—highlight how such vessels became central to the rituals of social life in Britain during the Regency era. Wedgwood, founded by Josiah Wedgwood in the mid-18th century, revolutionized ceramic production by combining industrial innovation with artistic excellence. By 1815, the manufactory was celebrated for its ability to create durable, beautifully decorated pieces that appealed to both aristocratic and emerging middle-class households. The use of multiple enamel colors and gold accents demonstrates advanced firing and painting techniques that allowed for vibrant, lasting decoration on the smooth porcelain surface. As a drinking vessel from the Applied Arts of Europe collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, this cup and saucer offers insight into the cultural importance of tea drinking as a symbol of refinement and hospitality. Its graceful form and ornamental details continue to captivate visitors, illustrating how everyday objects embodied the artistic and social values of their time.

About the Artist

Wedgwood Manufactory

Wedgwood Manufactory, founded on 1 May 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, revolutionized ceramics during the Industrial Revolution. Born into a family of potters, Josiah apprenticed under his elder brother Thomas at the Churchyard Works from age 14, mastering traditional techniques before partnering with Thomas Whieldon from 1754 to 1759, where he honed innovative glazes. ...