Breakfast Cup, Cover and Stand

Mintons

Summary

Straight sided cup, narrower at base than at rim, with angular handle and circular cover with round knob. Sides of saucer slope gently inwards towards a deep central well into which the cup fits. Examples of waterlife and plants are painted in coloured slips on deep blue simulating three layers of a pond; the saucer has assorted shells, two frogs, a newt and pebbles on the rim, and a flowering plant in the well; the cup has reeds along the base and various swimming fish (including a ? trout); the cover has butterflies and a dragonfly. These are overlaid with gilded decoration suggesting a net, with the exception of the central well. There are gilded lines around the foot ring of the saucer, edge of the well and rim; on the base and rim of the cup; rim of the lid; and additional gilding on knob and handle.

Display Label

Personal Ritual Life is given structure by ritual and routine; we take comfort in the familiar patterns of each day. Some of these are public and community-based whilst others are more intimate, intensely personal - small moments that keep us in touch with ourselves. From sitting in front of a dressing room mirror preparing yourself for the day ahead, to relaxing in the bath when the day's work is done, our lives are made up of these little performances that keep us feeling healthy, happy and connected. These are the times we devote entirely to ourselves, to the contemplation of our space in the world. Here are personal possessions of an intimate nature, the contents of pockets and handbags, aids to beauty, good health and long life, the means for putting our thoughts down on paper. All these objects reflect our most private moments, and all form the subject of Personal Ritual.