Pleasures
Until the early nineteenth century, transfer printing remained relatively expensive. Nevertheless, consumers eagerly purchased ceramics adorned with all types of imagery and text. Sometimes the printed scenes focused on indulgence and pleasure. Romance was commonly represented through pictures of courting, flirtatious couples. Material pleasures were depicted in images of traders and merchants as well as their enslaved workers. In the case of the satirical plate "SYMPTOMS of GOING it in STYLE," the imagery gently mocked the consumer. Comical images on chamber pots were an early form of bathroom humor.

Romantic Pleasures

Beaker, with an image of a courting couple, ca. 1785

Porcelain Cream Jug, with an image of a courting couple, ca. 1758

Bowl, with three pastoral scenes, ca. 1755

Porcelain Teabowl, with an image of a courting couple, ca. 1755 

Porcelain Dish, with an image of a couple enjoying tea and children playing outside, ca. 1756