China cabinet

Typical china held in such cabinets often includes cups, plates, bowls, and glasses.

Historically, they were used for especially highly decorated cabinet cups, that were too expensive and perhaps fragile for regular use, and made for collectors or to be given as presents.

They are often set in a conspicuous place where china, silverware, and glassware can easily be seen by guests and accessed by the host.

[1] There is an innumerous number of forms for china cabinets, as sizes, shapes, and construction methods may vary.

[2] The china cabinet already existed by the late 17th century, initially used for Japanese export porcelain and its Chinese equivalent, then very fashionable, especially in England and the Netherlands.

An old china cabinet at the Charlier Museum in Brussels, with Chinese wares.
Chamberlain's factory, Worcester , c. 1805. Two-handled cabinet cup with cover, so a caudle cup type, painted with a pastoral scene.