Cocoa cup with saucer

The slightly convex cup with a round base was used to serve and drink cocoa.The cup and curved saucer are decorated with gold and red stripes and painted with golden floral ornaments. Cocoa was still a luxury beverage in the 17th and 18th century, but new plantations in West Africa and technical innovations such as the production of powdered milk ultimately helped chocolate become a pleasure enjoyed by many people in the 19th century.