The Milan Fine Bone China Coffee Mug

The East India Company got involved in the trading of "China" as a by-product of its tea trade. "China" was used deep in the ships holds near the keel as a way of providing ballast to counteract the light cargoes of tea. As tea drinking began to become popular in Britain elegant tea services were made. The Milan Coffee mug is stamped with the East India Company merchants mark, a mark that signified the cargo was owned by the Company.