Basketwork Cups

A grid image. At the top are two small images of the inside of a cup. Each has a geisha's face. Under there is an image of the sides of the cups where basketwork is visible. It is sitting on a wooden table with a glass lamp behind.
Basketwork cups from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1890
Materials: Porcelain and Reed Basketwork 

These two pieces were manufactured for Japanese use, with the sides showing the heads of courtesans. “Basketwork” on porcelain developed after 1850 when extremely thin porcelain pieces (called “eggshell porcelain”) gained popularity. For many Western travellers, there was a push to purchase thin porcelain as a status symbol. To protect the pieces, they were often sold with a delicately woven bamboo cover for protection.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.