Cocoa Cup

An image of a large white teacup with purple and green roses and a blue bow. It is sitting on a wood table.
Cocoa Cup from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: England
Year: ca. 1908-1913
Materials: Porcelain and paint 

Cocoa was a popular drink in the late 19th century inspired by the drop in sugar prices. Previously, hot chocolate was created by melting cocoa beans with sugar into a drink that was popular among the wealthy in Europe and North America. Hot chocolate would be drunk from smaller cups because it was so sweet and so expensive. With sugar prices at a more affordable rate, and technological advancements allowing cocoa powder to be created, hot cocoa becomes a more popular drink in the later half of the 19th century.

Unlike hot chocolate cups, hot cocoa cups could be larger, as pictured here. This cup was made by S. Fielding and Company. Based on the maker’s mark, this cup was likely produced between 1908-1913.

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.