sugar and chocolate (left)

shelf 1 (left)

Cultivated in South America and shipped to Europe and America, where it was sweetened with sugar likely from the Caribbean and served in Chinese porcelain vessels, chocolate was a global commodity, trade, and craze that prompted the creation of specific ceramic forms. The staples used to repair the chocolate pot on the far left attest to the value held for Asian porcelain.

 

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A white chocolate pot with blue decorations depicting floral and architectural elements.

Chinese (for export)

Chocolate Pot, ca. 1750

Porcelain with underglaze blue enamel and glaze and metal staples

Bequest of Mrs. Hope Brown Russell 09.208

A porcelain chocolate cup with blue and gilded decorations along the outside and inside of the rim, body, and handle.

Chinese (for export)

Chocolate Cup, 1770–1785

Porcelain with underglaze blue, enamels, glaze, and gilding

The Helena Woolworth McCann Collection. Gift of the Winfield Foundation 55.023.2C

A sculptural figure sitting next to a large basket, the basket and figures clothing has floral decorations. The figure is wearing a hat, cream and purple clothing, and red shoes.

Johann Joachim Kändler, modeler, German, 1706–1775

Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, German, 1710–present

Turkish Woman with Sugar Basket, ca. 1745

Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding

Gift of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 37.084

A sculptural figure kneeling next to a basket in bright elaborate clothing with a hat with a feather. There are floral decorations on the figure’s clothing and basket.

Johann Joachim Kändler, modeler, German, 1706–1775

Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, German, 1710-present

Turkish Man with Sugar Basket, ca. 1745

Porcelain with enamels, glaze, and gilding

Gift of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich 37.085

 

 

shelf 2

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