Name/Title

Teacup

Description

This porcelain teacup boasts little decoration, though such simplicity was considered elegant and refined in the early 20th century. Based on the paste and color, it is likely English Hard Paste Porcelain, though this might be disproven under closer examination.

Use

This teacup would have been part of a larger set, and likely offered to guests. It is of course very probable that it would have been for use by the denizens of the houseold for regular use as well.

Context

Though coffee was considered the more commonly popular choice of morning beverage by average Americans by the 20th century, tea remained a staple among the upper class. The presence of so many pieces of porcelain found at this site testifies to the high class clientele the establishment drew in, as well as to the profitability of the business. While other Female Boardinghouses along Basin Street (such as Mahogany Hall) were larger and more widely known, all of them were successful and popular among the Elite of New Orleans high society during the period. As such, the evidence recovered from brothels such as 319 Basin speaks volumes to help better visualize the grandeur and success of these businesses, especially when compared to other areas within the same 13 block neighborhood.

Collection

319 N. Basin St.

Cataloged By

Alexandra River Osbourn

Created By

anthropologyandsociology@uno.edu

Create Date

December 13, 2024

Updated By

anthropologyandsociology@uno.edu

Update Date

December 13, 2024