These tea pieces point to important trends of the 1820's in both ceramic production and in taste.

Prior to 1810, the porcelain body was identified with the most expensive wares.  Between 1810 and 1820, a general formula for bone china emerged creating an affordable porcelain alternative.  This in turn precipitated a new class of  less expensive (and less pretentious) wares now called "cottage wares." This new class of wares was supported by the demands of the expanding middle class.

A generation earlier domestic vignettes such as these would have been characterized by the stark formalism of urban neoclassical taste. Previously artists like Adam Buck gave us vignettes of people attired in classical garb with furnishings inspired by ancient classical models. Our romantic ideal of the home takes us to a countryside inhabited by modern people in contemporary dress engaged in modern life. 

Two matching cake plates available.