Pearlware Tea Bowl and Saucer

This ceramic, earthenware tea bowl and saucer was manufactured in England between 1820 and 1840. The cobalt-blue flora decoration on the cup and bowl was an attempt at replicating the underglaze blue painting found on Chinese and Japanese china for British use and export. Due to the British connections with tea in the United States, tea drinking decreased in popularity during the 19th century. But, a home tea service remained a symbol of gentility and class—upper classes used pure silver sets, while lower classes used silver luster or ceramic sets to serve afternoon tea and entertain guests.