H97.101.37

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, stands on three four-toed animal-like feet; interior is metallic gold, exterior is in bas relief, series of draped figures, a dog and a tree. Handle is a grotesque. Outside and handle are painted in "full color" red, yellow, pink, blue, green, and black; feet are touched with the metallic gold. Mark on the bottom of the cup and saucer are the same: R. Capodimonte, Italy, 2226. B: Saucer, white earthenware, edge of rim is decorated with two bands of metallic gold, separated by a band of yellow beading. Next is a white band decorated with bas relief clusters of stylized pink roses and small flutes. The center of the saucer is metallic gold.

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