Saucer

Art Historical Context

This delicate porcelain saucer, crafted the renowned British manufacturer Coalport around 1881–91, exemplifies the height of Victorian-era ceramic artistry. Coalport, based in Shropshire,, was celebrated for its fine bone china which combined exceptional translucency and strength through a secret formula developed in the early 19th century. just 9/16 × 3 1/2 × 3 3/8 inches, this petite piece was likely part of an elegant tea service, reflecting the era's obsession with refined tableware for afternoon teas and formal dining. Porcelain's significance in 19th-century Britain lay in its status as an accessible luxury, bridging aristocratic traditions with middle-class aspirations. Coalport pieces like this saucer often featured intricate gilding, floral motifs, or scenic transfers, achieved via techniques such as underglaze printing and hand-painting over glaze—methods that ensured durability and vibrant color. As a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2017 from Helene Fortunoff and Robert Grossman, it highlights the enduring appeal of British decorative arts, inviting us to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that turned everyday objects into works of beauty.