Custard Pot with Cover
1790–95
Medium
Hard-paste porcelain with enamels and gilding
Dimensions
8.3 × 8.9 × 7 cm (3 1/4 × 3 1/2 × 2 3/4 in.)
Classification
tableware
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
7947
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Custard Pot with Cover crafted in Chinese export porcelain around 1790–95, exemplifies the height of global trade luxury during the late 18th century. Produced in China specifically for Western markets, including the Americas, this petite tableware piece (measuring just 8.3 × 8.9 × 7 cm) was designed for serving creamy desserts like custard, blending Eastern craftsmanship with European tastes. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's of the Americas department, reflects how such imports graced affluent American dining tables amid the young republic's fascination with refined gl...