Sugar was imported from the West Indies into Europe during the late 17th century, and wealthy households often served this new luxury product in special vessels. These containers were predominantly made in silver or metal, but also occasionally in porcelain. The pink and blue colours, highlighted in gold, derive from Japanese porcelain called Imari. Due to the high demand for Imari in Europe, Chinese kilns mimicked the designs to capture part of the market during the early 18th century.
