Tuesday, February 7, 2012

" MRS. DUNCAN'S TEACUP "

Pensive is the word that lingers in my thoughts as I ponder the symbols of February in my mind ... Hearts , doves, cupids and roses parlay back and forth in a merry heartbeat... For when else could one take the time to read and sip camomile tea with friends.

I have a cabinet in my tearoom that is filled with such lovely treasures, mostly from the past memories of loved ones. ... which means, they were inherited or gifted to me. This is one such treasure, that was passed on by my mother -in-law, Peggy.

It's a opalescent cup and saucer that a friend hand painted for her mother in 1924 .... I dare say, that this lady must have been very special, as the tea set sat on display, in her mothers cabinet since Peggy was a child... occasionally her mother would sip tea from it.

In those days, most Valentines and gifts were handmade as sentimental tokens of friendship and affection. People freely expressed their gratitude through a written card or artistic work.

Luckily, it was signed and dated by the mysterious, Mrs. Duncan, January 1924 ... That does seem, so long ago, doesn't it !!!! It conjures up all types of questions and curiosities like .... I wonder, who Mrs. Duncan is ? ... What did she look like ? ... What was her favourite tea?

I had made inquiries into her identity, however, at present, shall we say, that she was simply an artist friend who created a gift so fine that has become a family heirloom.

Mother of Pearl is what I think of , each time I see the set and I'm amazed at the fine artistic details that Mrs. Duncan has included on this darling teaset.

I can also imagine, how very exciting it must have been to receive such a beautiful gift from a friend, especially during those years of distress when money was hard come by.




Also notable is the dramatic black band that outlines the artist's imaginative perception on this teaset ... Tis' such a lovely memento !!!

During February , I do wonder, what I should gift my loved ones and friends with on Valentines Day ... Gifts from the heart come in all shapes, sizes and flavours. I have even, found chocolate shaped roses ... but perhaps, a nice chat and cup of camomile tea with you is the best gift of all !!!

The business of " Love" does not belong to the retailers and business owners... It really belongs in and from your heart.... Please do have a BEAUTIFUL and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.

24 comments:

Maria Andrade said...

I've already commented on your Haviland Limoges tea cup, but now I see you've got another beauty here, with that iridescent finish.
The black trimmings and handle also add to its charm.
Thanks for sharing
Hugs

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Zaa,
oh my, what a beauty you share, full of special memories. This is such a lovely post because the beautiful card illustrations are so perfect to the cup. As if Mrs. Duncan had sent this card with the tea cup. She was a talented painter, as I see. Isn't that amazing, how few actions in life will last forever. May be nobody else commemorate her now. This little gift of love keeps her still spirit alive. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you also for your sweet comment. I love all Citrus plants. I have a small collection of little trees. One very precious to me is the Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis "Buddhas Hand". I am sure you have seen it once.

Best greetings, Johanna

Antiques And Teacups said...

She did a wonderful job paintinng the teacup. Those ladies were so talented! Such a pretty post! Thanks for sharing and linking with Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Zaa said...

Ladies ... Thank You for your kind supportive comments and of course I love teatime chats.. Hugs

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: I love this cup! It is so beautiful and a one of a kind I am sure. Stunning! Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Martha

Lady Linda said...

How wonderful! I just love this cup and saucer....don't you love the graphics from the 20's? You posts really have been just great...I so enjoy visiting.
Love ya,
Linda

Zaa said...

Thank You Martha ...Hugs

Zaa said...

Welcome Lady Linda... Yes I do love everything from the 20's ... especially your teatime visits... Hugs

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hello Zaa,
The artist has created a truely beautiful Cup and Saucer.Being a gift for a friend only makes it more special.How lovely you have it now!
God Bless
Barb from Australia

Maria Andrade said...

Hi Zaa, again,
I had commented on your beautiful Nippon tea cup and on Pat's also beautiful Haviland Limoges and then I mixed it up :)
Sorry!

Terri said...

Beautiful cup! Wow! It looks very well done, and the pearl finish is stunning on the cup.
It is a treasure indeed.
It is fun to pick out a way to express our love this time of year...but one can never go wrong with Lindt chocolate!
YUM!
Hugs,
Terri

Micupoftea said...

Oh, how elegant! I especially like the contrasting black handle~ What lovely photos. Happy <3 Day!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What an elegant teacup, Zaa! The artist was very gifted and I like her choice of the contrasting black. I love anything that looks like mother of pearl. Quite stunning and a real treasure. Thank you for sharing your little beauty with us today.

Blessings,
Sandi

Trish said...

Zaa, that is a very lovely heirloom to inherit!
I have some of my MIL's pretty china, and using it is a wonderful way to stay connected to her and sweet memories.
The black handle on your cup is such a striking contrast to the delicacy of the design.
It works beautifully :-)
Thanks for linking to Simply Sweet!
I hope you have a lovely Valentine's day, too!
blessings..Trish

Zaa said...

Thanks for this lovely Australian visit Barb... Enjoy your day, my Friend... Hugs

Zaa said...

Oh Yes Terri ... Chocolate Valentines are always appreciated ( Yummy) Thanks...Hugs

Zaa said...

Thanks Micupoftea... It's so nice to chat with you ...here at the Grand Lady... Please do visit often...xoxox

Zaa said...

Thank You for you sweet visit Sandi...I do hope you are feeling better,...Hugs to You.

Zaa said...

Happy Valentines Day to you too Trish ... You kind visits are so very welcomed here at the Grand Lady ... Hugs

Anonymous said...

This teacup and saucer is very beautiful and what a lovely post. Happy Valentines Day!
Pat

victorian parlor II said...

What a beautiful cup and sacer set! Mrs. Duncan was a wonderful artist!

Blessings,

Kim

Zaa said...

THANK YOU ...
For your kind appreciation !!!
Bright Blessings
Zaa Zaa

Anne said...

Such a beautiful post...my Grandmother collected teacups, and I have some wonderful ones that were hers...some given to her by her mother on her wedding day...(I just took photos of some of them yesterday for my own blog) ~ ♥
I'm a new follower!
Hugs,
Anne

Bernideen said...

Such a beautiful lusterware cup and saucer!