What Are Fancy Cups Called?

Fancy cups, sometimes referred to as teacups, are small cups designed for drinking tea or coffee. They originated in China in the 17th century with the introduction of tea drinking and porcelain manufacturing ^[1]. Early teacups were made of porcelain and did not have handles. The saucer was introduced later to prevent staining or heat damage to table surfaces from the hot cup.

Teacups were quickly adopted in Europe as tea drinking gained popularity, though Europeans initially used wooden cups. Teacups became more elaborate with decorative shapes and patterns like floral motifs. complete tea sets with matching teapots, creamers and sugar bowls emerged. Fine porcelain teacups were symbols of status and good taste ^[2].

Today, fancy teacups remain collectible items and family heirlooms passed down through generations. They are utilized both for their functionality in tea drinking as well as for display purposes. More casual coffee mugs have largely replaced teacups for daily use.

Types of Fancy Cups

Fancy cups refer to elegantly designed and often ornately decorated teacups and coffee cups made from fine materials. The most common types of fancy cups are:

China

China cups are made from glazed porcelain. The body contains clay as well as a feldspathic rock called petuntse. China cups are lightweight, translucent, and chip-resistant. They have a delicate, smooth appearance and feel.

Porcelain

Porcelain cups contain only kaolin clay and petuntse, giving them a pure white color when undecorated. Porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, making it durable and resistant to scratching. Porcelain cups have a glassy sheen when glazed.

Bone China

Bone china contains bone ash, which lowers the firing temperature needed while also giving it extra whiteness and translucency. The bone ash makes bone china lightweight and delicate. It has a flawless, smooth surface when polished.

While china is sometimes used to refer to porcelain, true china is softer than porcelain due to its clay content. Bone china is the most translucent and delicate due to the bone ash addition. But all three are considered high-quality materials for fancy teacups and coffee cups.

Popular Styles

Fancy cups come in a variety of styles and shapes that have evolved over the centuries. Some of the most popular styles of fancy cups include:

Saucers – Most fancy cups include saucers as part of the set. Saucers originally served functional purposes like catching spills or cooling hot drinks before sipping. Today, saucers remain a key component of fancy cup sets for aesthetic purposes and completing the look. Saucer sizes and shapes complement the cup design.

Handles – Handle design is an important stylistic element of fancy cups. Elaborate handle shapes like scrolled handles, arched handles, and ornate curved handles characterize many fancy cups. Handles may attach to the cup itself or connect to an attached saucer. The handle provides an area for decorative embellishments.

Decorative Styles – From elegant fluted designs to intricate gold filigree, fancy cups incorporate striking decorative elements. Styles like gilt decoration, hand-painting, cut designs, and etching create stunning visual interest. Novelty shapes like heart-shaped, shell-shaped or animal-shaped cups also provide whimsical flair.

Popular Decorative Elements

Fancy cups often feature beautiful and intricate decorative elements that enhance their appeal. Some of the most popular decorative elements found on fancy cups include:

Gold Rims

Gold rims add an elegant touch of luxury to fancy cups. The rim of the cup may be gilded in gold leaf or gold paint. The rich, warm glow of the gold elegantly contrasts against the cup’s finer ceramic or porcelain material. Gold rims signify these cups are precious items for special occasions.

Floral Patterns

Delicate floral patterns are commonly found hand-painted or transfer-printed onto fine bone china or porcelain fancy cups. Vibrant blossoms, scrolling vines, and leafy motifs create a lovely focal point. Floral styles range from traditional roses to exotic tropical flowers. These natural designs add feminine beauty.

Colorful Schemes

Fancy cups often feature vibrant, multi-colored patterns and designs. Striking color schemes of bold or pastel hues make the cups eye-catching. Some examples are traditional blue and white Chinese export porcelain designs, or modern colorblock patterns. Colorful cups convey a fun, festive mood.

Notable Manufacturers

Some of the most well-known and prestigious manufacturers of fancy cups include:

Wedgwood

Founded in 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood, Wedgwood is one of the oldest and most respected British pottery companies. Wedgwood pioneered the industrialization of pottery manufacturing and became especially known for its high-quality jasperware, characterized by its matte “biscuit” finish and representations of Greek and Roman mythology. Some of Wedgwood’s most iconic cup and saucer sets include the Butterfly Bloom, Intaglio, and Queensware collections.

Royal Albert

Royal Albert was founded in 1896 and is known for its ornate gold bands and floral motifs inspired by the Victorian era. Some of their most popular china cup collections include Old Country Roses, Lady Carlyle, and Val D’Or.

Limoges

Limoges refers to the porcelain produced in the Limoges region of France. While it has been produced since the 18th century, Limoges became renowned in the 19th century for its high quality kaolin clay and expert craftsmanship. Limoges porcelain is known for its thin, translucent walls and intricate details. Some hallmarks of Limoges cups and saucers include pastel colors, gold accents, and hand-painted florals.

Collectability and Rarity

Antique teacups can be quite valuable, especially rare styles and pieces made by notable manufacturers. Some factors that can increase a teacup’s collectability and value include:

• Age – Teacups made in the 18th or early 19th century tend to be more valuable than later pieces.
• Manufacturer – Teacups made by renowned makers like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, or Meissen command higher prices.
• Style – Rare styles like Chinoiserie or Georgian silver filigree teacups are highly prized by collectors.
• Condition – Teacups in pristine condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs are worth more.
• Provenance – Teacups that belonged to royalty or other historic figures have added value and interest.
• Materials – Fine materials like porcelain, sterling silver, or gold leaf increase value.
• Rarity – One-of-a-kind pieces and limited edition runs are more collectable.

When determining the value of an antique teacup, it’s best to consult a professional appraiser. Provenance documentation and any original boxes or certificates also boost collectability.

Proper Use and Etiquette

When using fancy teacups, there are certain etiquette rules to follow for proper form:

First, when selecting a teacup, choose one that feels comfortable in your hand. Consider the shape, size, and weight. Avoid cups that are overly large or heavy. The teacup handle should fit your fingers.

To hold the teacup properly, place your thumb on one side of the handle and your index or middle finger on the other. You can also slide your finger through the handle. Keep your remaining fingers curled gently against the cup. Do not stick your pinky finger out – this is considered pretentious. Hold the cup delicately with your fingertips, not tightly in your fist.

When lifting the teacup, grasp the handle near the rim rather than the base. Bring the cup to your mouth rather than leaning down toward it. Take small, quiet sips – do not slurp. After each sip, return the cup to the saucer. When not drinking, leave the teacup resting on the saucer.

When finished, place the teaspoon neatly on the saucer behind the cup. Leave a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the cup rather than draining it completely. Follow the lead of the host or hostess and place the napkin on the table when you have finished.

With proper etiquette, your manner of holding and sipping from the fancy teacup will exhibit poise and decorum.

Source: https://tielka.com/blogs/news/tea-cups-and-teacup-etiquette

Care and Cleaning

Fancy tea cups require special care and cleaning to preserve their value and beauty over time. When washing fancy cups, it’s important to use a gentle hand wash and mild dish soap, never place in the dishwasher. Lukewarm water is ideal, as hot water can cause cracking or crazing in fine china. Gently clean with a soft sponge, avoiding abrasive scouring pads. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft towel.

Proper storage is also key for longevity. Cups should be stored standing upright and cushioned with soft cloth or paper to prevent chips and cracks. Shelving should have felt or rubber bumpers to avoid clinking. Cup hooks, stands, or specialized cabinets allow for safe display. Avoid overcrowding shelves.

To prevent stains, tea cups should be rinsed promptly after use. Tea stains can be removed by rubbing gently with baking soda. For stuck-on stains, fill the cup with warm water mixed with denture cleaning tablets, letting soak overnight. Avoid soaking decorations like gold leaf or transfers. Small chips can be minimized by using clear nail polish along the edges.

Modern Interest

Fancy teacups have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Tea parties featuring ornate teacups and saucers have become trendy social events, often boasting whimsical themes and DIY decorations. These parties allow younger generations to embrace classic fanciness and elegance in a modern way.

Decorated teacups also make popular gifts, especially for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and housewarmings. Gifting a fancy teacup shows thoughtfulness, and recipients often proudly display these cups and saucers rather than keeping them hidden away. Personalized cups with custom designs, monograms, or meaningful phrases resonate well as heartfelt gifts.

In home decor, fashionable designers increasingly incorporate fancy teacups into stylish interior vignettes. The pops of color, intricate details, and sense of refinement provided by ornate cups liven up modern minimalist spaces. Cups grouped and displayed on open shelving or in glass-front cabinets make striking accents that show off one’s style.

Sources:

https://newspaperarchive.com/oelwein-register-may-10-1905-p-7/

Notable Examples

The Lycurgus Cup is one of the most famous and unique fancy cups in existence. Dating back to 4th century Rome, it has the extraordinary ability to change color depending on light conditions. In daylight it appears green but when illuminated from the inside, it turns a translucent red. The color changing effect is achieved using nano gold and silver particles embedded in the glass. It is the only complete example of dichroic glass known from antiquity. The Lycurgus Cup is now housed in the British Museum.

The Royal Gold Cup is a stunning solid gold decorative chalice made around 1370 for the French royal family. Lavishly decorated with enamel, pearls, and gems, it is considered one of the most outstanding surviving examples of medieval metalwork. It was eventually acquired by the British Museum. The cup’s brilliant craftsmanship sheds light on the sophisticated goldsmith techniques of the 14th century.

The Fonthill Vase is an extremely rare Chinese porcelain vase dating back to between 1330-1370. It is one of only 3 of such vases known to exist. Featuring classic Yuan blue-and-white decoration of lotus scrolls, the vase stands an impressive 2.6 feet tall. Originally owned by Louis the Great of Hungary, it eventually made its way to England after passing through multiple royal collections. The vase’s immaculate condition, massive size, and flawless artistic execution make it historically and artistically priceless.