Pearl of the Antilles: Sugarcane and Tea

Medium: Porcelain Ceramic
Dimensions: 8 ¾" × 8" × 5 ¾"
Year: 2025
Collection: Chitra Collection

Haiti, once known as the "Pearl of the Antilles," played a crucial role in the global economy through its production of sugar—a commodity so valuable it was called "white gold." This piece examines Haiti’s colonial history and its connection to European powers through the industries of sugarcane and tea.

The teapot’s polished exterior reflects the illusion of wealth and prosperity that sugar created for European nations. Haiti’s plantations fueled immense economic gain, making it one of the richest colonies of its time. However, this prosperity came at a devastating human cost.

Inside the teapot, deep red stains symbolize the blood of the enslaved Africans whose forced labor sustained the sugar economy. The contrast between the gleaming surface and the dark interior speaks to the dual nature of Haiti’s history—on the one hand, immense profit for colonial powers, and on the other, immense suffering for the people who made it possible.

This work invites reflection on the true cost of luxury and the historical consequences of exploitation. It serves as a reminder that behind the beauty of material wealth lies a deeper, often painful history.