Porcelain Coffee Cup Holder (Zarf) with Floral Motifs
Unknown Artist
Zarf were used for functional purposes - they both provided a "handle" for the usually handle-less porcelain coffee cups, and protected the fingers from being burned by the hot cup - as well as aesthetic reasons. They are often elaborately decorated with enamels, precious stones, and/or fine metals. This porcelain zarf has been ornamented with floral designs.
Culture: France (Paris)
Period: Ottoman Market
Object No: 48.32.3
19th century
Ceramic/Porcelain, overpainted gold, green, and pink
48.32.3
Images and text courtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Where you'll find this
Shangri La Museum
Permanent collection