Janet Kaiser on tue 2 may 00
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In an article by Will Levi Marshall (CPA News, No. 71, page 10) he tells of =
US
ceramist Wayne Higby chastising one of the speakers for drinking from a
manufactured mug. He felt a bit remorseful afterwards, but not being a
utilitarian potter himself, he asked Val Cushing to make a mug for him to =
send
as an apology.
Seemingly Val Cushing said you cannot have just one mug. He went on to say =
that
you need at least five:
1. in the morning an open shallow mug so the coffee cools and you get a =
quick
caffeine fix
2. a tall narrow mug which retains heat and does not slop when moving around=
the
workshop, or a mug with a lid (presumably to keep grunge out too)
3. at lunch a more =22regular=22 mug
4. an afternoon cup and saucer for a formal =22tea ceremony=22
5. a demitasse or petite cup for after dinner coffee to round off the meal =
but
not keep you awake all night.
As Will Levi Marshall added=3B =22Obviously we have different social rituals=
and
daily routines but nevertheless it raises an interesting point. A mug is not
just a vessel to contain liquid, it is something we interact with.=22
He then goes on to point out that American diner mugs =22beautiful pots they=
are
too in my opinion=22 also fit the US life style. They are thick for =
practical
reasons of durability. But then he goes on to point out that the first cup =
cools
quickly because of the thickness. =22By the time you are on to your third =
cup the
porcelain has warmed up so the coffee cools more slowly. The diner mug
inadvertently controls the caffeine intake of the user=22.
Now I thought that article was wonderful... Certainly brought new insights =
re:
the humble diner mug.
There is also a photo: =22Amber lead-glazed cup. Tang Dynasty 8th century. =
The
handle derives from Sogdian design. Its the only cup with a handle I've seen
from China, any more out there? Drop me a note or better still send a =
copy=22.
That is Will speaking...
Janet Kaiser - Admiring a lovely tile from Father Anthony in California... =
Tile
No. 991 for The Path.
The Chapel of Art, Criccieth LL52 0EA, GB-Wales
Home of The International Potters Path
TEL: (01766) 523570
WEB: http://www.the-coa.org.uk
EMAIL: postbox=40the-coa.org.uk
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