H97.101.55

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. This set of cup, lid and saucer is an example of a gift given to Della for her collection. Marked on two paper tags on the bottom of the cup "Nov. 13, 71" "Willie G. King". A: Cup, with a very braid rim, earthenware, glazed inside and out in dark green, with bas relief floar and leaf pattern on the outside. Flowers are in mauve (bud in maroon). B: Lid, matching lid, decorated only on the outside. C" saucer with assymetrical decoration (all pieces match).

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