Monday, April 23, 2012

" COBALT BLUE "

Vincent van Gogh declared " Cobalt"(blue) is a divine colour and there is nothing so beautiful for putting atmosphere around thing..."


This extraordinary stable colour has been a favourite to some of the greatest artists, throughout the world. Renoirs, "The Umberellas ( Les Parapluies) 1881-85 (above) is one of my favourites. It is also the deep, dramatic hues of this colour that attracted me to this handsome, German Teaset.



I say handsome, because of the rich and heavy contrast of the decorating on this piece. The cobalt hue is so dense and moody, while the gold gilding lavishly hugs the superb curves of the teacup, like two lovers embracing. 


I found  three vintage, cobalt blue teasets , each a little different, at Victoria's Antiques, in Vancouver. Unfortunately, she has now closed her doors, but I feel certain, that I've acquired some of her most lovely pieces ... especially since they were bought 15 years ago. ( Ha Ha) ... Each set has the GRD stamped on the bottom of the saucer, so they are either a West or East German manufacturer/ Jl Menau or Reichenbach.  I'm still digging for more information.



I always look for matching colours in nature and none is more beautiful than the  wild lupines that dot  the hills and valleys of New Brunswick in the summer... I took these pictures on beautiful Prince Edward Island last year ....See how the curvaceous petals mimic the decadend gold edging on this saucer, in superb fashion. "All things bright and beautiful" just seem to originate  in the form and colour from nature itself !!!


Although, I would hesitate to take this set into the garden party ...  it would greatly compliment an elegant tearoom setting, in  the Grand Lady's sitting room, where cobalt blue is an adorning colour for many vases and ornamental pieces. Of course, you can have your choice of cups to sip from.


We may even have enough bouquets of lupines for you all, to take home .... I do hope so !!!



Teatime is at high noon ...  Wear your pearls ladies and bring along a feathered fan to compliment your comfort, in the heat of the day.  Oh, my goodness ... I do understand, if that's a little early for some of you living abroad.

If your late, don't worry ...  I have some midnight lanterns, to brighten the pathway, up along  the azure  steps, to a late night cup of tea . 


Wouldn't a,  " High Moon Teatime ", be delightful  !!!

Sharing Teatime with : 
Sandi@Rose Chintz Cottage
Terri and Martha@ Tea Cup Tuesday
Ruth @ Tuesday Cuppa Tea

24 comments:

Unknown said...

Count me in girlfriend. I have some deep midnight blue velvet around here somewhere...a dress to fit the occasion would suit. I'll be there in my 'fairy finest'; love ya, N. xo

Zaa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Zaa said...

OMG Fairyellowbug...

We would have the most magical teatime, fluttering about with all those fireflies ... just like the YaYa Sisters( Ha Ha) ...Thank You for this kind visit...Big Hugs to You..

Zinnia said...

Very beautiful cobalt blue cup. To dress up and take tea in the garden that is full of blooming lupines so wonderful. I wish you a great week! Zinnia

Zaa said...

Thanks Zinnia... Yes Please do come and wear your tea pearls..Hugs

Snap said...

High Moon Teatime! Love it! The tea set is quite handsome .. the cobalt so rich looking. Happy Tea Day!

Zaa said...

Thanks Snap ..So glad that stopped over for a little viit, my Friend...Hugs

Linda said...

Zaa,
Your blog is lovely and the cobalt blue tea cup is stunning! Thanks for visiting today .... so nice to "meet" you.
Blessings, L

Donna Heber said...

Your cobalt blue teacup is gorgeous! I enjoyed seeing the blooms in your garden too. Happy Tea Day!

Terri said...

Hello Zaa, your cobalt blue tea cup sets are very moody indeed! That deep deep blue is stunning with the gold. What a great find!
The lupines look so gorgeous! What color!
I would love to come to tea...but I may be late : )
Hugs,
Terri

Antiques And Teacups said...

Lovely cobalt blue! I love them! Also your Lupines and the Maxfield Parrish! What a lovely post!
Ruth

Zaa said...

Welcome Linda... Visiting your blog was my pleasure...Please do stop over again soon...Hugs

Zaa said...

Thank You Donna... It was so nice to share teatime with you today ...hugs

Zaa said...

Thanks Terri ...
I'll light the lanterns for you .. at the High moon Tea... So glad that you're coming ...xoxoxox

Zaa said...

Thanks for your kind visit Ruth ...

It's so nice to sit and chat during teatime with another, Maxfield Parrish" admirer...Don't forget to collect your lupine bouquet and have a LOVELY DAY !!!!

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Zaa,
I hope your lanterns are still lighting, because I am the latest one. Is some tea left? If not, don't matter. The tea cup alone is worth to look at. Thank you for sharing this delightful tea party.
Best greetings, Johanna

Zaa said...

Dear Johanna...There is always a cup of tea for you and you're never too late, my Friend... Thank You for this kind visit...Hugs

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by. Your photos are so beautiful. I love lupins. Amazing tea set.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Zaa,
Your cobalt blue and gold teacup is a stunner! I love the Umbrellas print too.
Those lupines are so pretty! I won't see them until June of course but they surely make a lovely photo for your blog. Thank you, dear lady, for joining me for tea today and enjoy your week.

Blessings,
Sandi

Micupoftea said...

LOVE the cobalt, love the flowers~ I have one deep cobalt colored teacup & saucer and some cobalt glass dishes. Happy Teatime :)

Brenda said...

Your pink lady sets off your Cobalt tea set just perfect. YES! Handsome indeed! The color is my favorite. Van Gogh is such a delight with this brilliant color. He makes me want to search every inch of the art, looking at the expressions in the faces, the body movements, the color...Sets a very good mood.
Your cup is not only bold in color but also in stature. Well rounded on sturdy feet! I love it! A beautiful setting...
Happy tea time!
Brenda

Lady Linda said...

I love cobalt blue. I enjoyed your use of art work with your lovelies...great combo.
I love blue!

Zaa said...

You are so WELCOME Linda...It was my pleasure..Hugs

Zaa said...

Thanks for your kind visits Ladies..Please do come again soon...hugs