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- Tea Cup from Vung Tau Shipwreck, 1675-1690 - Wealthy 17th-century Europeans craved Chinese porcelains. The clay of these export wares contains kaolin. When fired, the body of the clay and glaze fused into a glass-like form that resisted chipping and breaking--holding up to everyday use, which amazed Europeans. This teacup never made it to the table; it was found in a shipwreck on its way to Europe--a beautiful and rugged survivor.
- 1675-1690
- Collections - Artifact
Tea Cup from Vung Tau Shipwreck, 1675-1690
Wealthy 17th-century Europeans craved Chinese porcelains. The clay of these export wares contains kaolin. When fired, the body of the clay and glaze fused into a glass-like form that resisted chipping and breaking--holding up to everyday use, which amazed Europeans. This teacup never made it to the table; it was found in a shipwreck on its way to Europe--a beautiful and rugged survivor.
- Grasshopper Weathervane, 1840-1875 - Weathervanes point into the direction of the wind. This helped viewers anticipate weather changes before local forecasts became common after 1920. Functional weathervanes required a basic pointing device and directional arms, but manufacturers added decorative elements, or ornaments, to appeal to consumer interests. Before they were mass-produced as symbols of commerce, grasshopper weathervanes appeared atop London's Royal Exchange and Boston's Faneuil Hall.
- 1840-1875
- Collections - Artifact
Grasshopper Weathervane, 1840-1875
Weathervanes point into the direction of the wind. This helped viewers anticipate weather changes before local forecasts became common after 1920. Functional weathervanes required a basic pointing device and directional arms, but manufacturers added decorative elements, or ornaments, to appeal to consumer interests. Before they were mass-produced as symbols of commerce, grasshopper weathervanes appeared atop London's Royal Exchange and Boston's Faneuil Hall.