http://collection.shangrilahawaii.org/internal/media/dispatcher/18286/fullPorcelain Coffee Cup and Enamelled Gold Coffee Cup Holder (Zarf)19th centuryOverall: 2 3/4 x 2 5/16 in. (7 x 5.9cm)
Other (a): 1 11/16 x 2 5/16 in. (4.3 x 5.9cm)
Other (b): 2 1/4 x 1 13/16 in. (5.7 x 4.6cm)Enameled gold, porcelainCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art44.8.1a-b1Zarf 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 ceramic - as well as aesthetic reasons. They are often elaborately decorated with enamels, precious stones, and/or fine metals. Zarf often survive without their "matching" coffee cups, as the cups were more fragile. Here however we have the full "set".Metalwork4.28630000005.71500000006.98500000001645563859