Miniature coffee cup
Dateca. 1800
OriginAsia, China
MediumHard-paste porcelain , over-glaze brown enamel and gilding
DimensionsOverall: 2in. (5.1cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Ridinger, III
Object number2009-48
DescriptionMiniature porcelain coffee cup with loop handle. The cup is decorated with a simple husk border around the interior rim and a wider grape and leaf border around the exterior rim. A grape leaf spray adorns the front of the cup opposite the handle. All the decoration is in shades of brown and highlighted with gildingLabel TextMiniature or child-sized tea and coffee services were owned by wealthy American families. Services of the type that this coffee cup originally belonged to were used by children to help them learn proper deportment with regard to the important rituals of tea and coffee. The design on this cup is particularly associated with Chinese porcelain made for the American market.ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Chalres W. Ridinger III
ca. 1800
ca. 1795
1725-1745
1780-1800
ca. 1795
Cup: ca. 1790; Saucer: ca. 1820
ca. 1745