Porcelain Coffee Cup and Enamelled Gold Coffee Cup Holder (Zarf)
Date19th century
PeriodOttoman Market
MediumEnameled gold, porcelain
DimensionsOverall: 2 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (7 x 5.7cm)
Other (a): 1 5/8 x 2 1/4 in. (4.1 x 5.7cm)
Other (b): 2 1/4 x 1 3/4 in. (5.7 x 4.4cm)
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number44.8.2a-b
DescriptionZarf 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".On View
On view
Dated 1249 AH (1833-1834 CE)
19th century
19th century
One of a set/One of a set
