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Cream Jug

CultureEnglish
Dateca. 1750-1765
MediumVariegated earthenware with lead glaze (agateware)
DimensionsOverall: 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Burnap
Object number41-23/17
On View
On view
Gallery Location
  • 112
Gallery Label
The custom of adding cream or milk to tea developed in the early 18th century and necessitated the creation of a thoroughly European form, the cream jug.

Tea arrived in London from Asia through the Netherlands, as the Dutch were the first to engage in tea trading with China. The 1670s saw only a small amount of tea reaching Europe, but by 1750 the British East India Company had imported 37 million pounds of tea to England. During the 18th century, tea remained a costly and exotic commodity that brought with it a certain mystery inspiring innovative accoutrements and social rituals for its consumption. The Chinese wine pot was a model for the European teapot, and Chinese ceramics also informed the shape of tea caddies. The number and variety of objects in this case speak to the energy and creativity invested in developing fashionable and functional tea implements as well as English patrons' willingness to purchase them.
Provenance

Mr. Frank P. (1861-1957) and Mrs. Harriet C. (1866-1947) Burnap, Kansas City, MO by 1941;

Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1941.

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


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