H97.101.31

The cups and saucers in this collection come from Della's Tea Cup Cafe, 7309 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, which was established in February, 1967. The cafe is noted for, and decorated with, a very large collection of tea cups. Some of the cups were purchased by the owner, others were presented to her as gifts, while still others were made for her. A: Cup, earthen ware, decorated with decals, a classic-like human figure (with a scarf) set in a cartouche on the outside, front and back; space between the figures, as well as the edge of the handle, decorated with twig-like motifs. Bottom of cup has a scalloped circular design, inside of the rim is decorated with semi-ovals separated by twig patterns. (Marked "7" on the bottom with a grease pencil.) B: Saucer, very deep saucer, cream colored, matches cup; exterior is plain, interior has the same semi-oval and twig pattern variation as on cup, except at a slightly larger scale. Center of saucer has a circular design centered with a figure and scarf, similar to those on cup, but clearer and easier "to read". Bottom of saucer has interesting mark in brown, five scallops with the word "CUPI?" printed in the center, "77" below that. And a stamp below that. Collection paper tage reads "61X".

Used: Della's Tea Cup Cafe | Della Hardmon Guess | African American | Drinking | Lynn Neighborhood