Hey folks! Here’s a quick history lesson for you, all about Moustache Cups!
Moustache Cups were invented in the mid 1800’s by an English potter named Harvey Adams. In those Victorian times, most men had impressive moustaches, and many men waxed or even dyed their moustaches to keep them groomed and curled and looking fabulous. And of course, they drank tea. So, what happened was wax would melt, and dye would run and gentlemen would get embarrassed.
So, Mr. Adams created a “moustache guard”, a moustache-shaped ledge that went across the cup, with an opening in the middle to sip the tea through. This allowed the gentleman to drink his tea and keep his moustachioed upper lip dry. It goes without saying that this item became very popular, and eventually made its way from England and Europe all the way to America. Of late, they have become sought-after collectors’ items. Now you’re curious. You want to see some moustache cups, don’t you? We’ve added a bunch to our website, but here’s a few to pique your interest and get your moustache cup collection started! We also have a few up for sale on our website www.cynthiafindlay.com/mustache.
Japanese Fine Porcelain Moustache Cup
German Bamboo Motif Moustache Cup
English Fine Bone China Bow Motif Moustache Cup
Belleek Shamrock Pattern Moustache Cup
House and Home November Issue Features Holiday Dining Ideas Inspired by Swedish Gustavian Design
This year’s holiday issue of Canadian House and Home Magazine is coming to newsstands in November and we wanted to give you a preview of the cool dinnerware from Toronto Antiques on King that you’ll find inside!
Pieces in light, icy blues, greens and metallics were chosen for a feature inspired by the theme of Swedish Gustavian design and the sparkling wintery atmosphere it creates.
In general, Swedish interior design style is characterized by a look that is light, airy and elegant, and this is epitomized in Gustavian design, a style named for King Gustav III who ruled Sweden in the late 18th century. He had a passion for the neo-classical styles prominent at that time in continental Europe and combined elements of these styles in his own royal palaces in Sweden.
Over time, the Gustavian interpretation of a neo-classical interior spread throughout the broader Swedish society and has been recognized as a distinct interior style in its own right; a look that is still popular today.
Versatile enough to feature classical, country and contemporary elements together; Gustavian style usually features white neo-classical furnishings set against a very light, interior background, matched with pale supporting hues like soft blues, grays and greens and an important touch of sparkle with silver, crystal or gold gilding as an accent.
These desirable attributes of Swedish Gustavian design would make a gorgeous winter wonderland theme for your holiday dinner table, and with this beautiful selection of pieces from Toronto Antiques on King, we expect to see delicious icy glamour on the pages of House and Home this November, so check it out!
Blue Glass Soup Tureen, Blue Falconware Dish, Silver Ladle and Scallop Edge Serving Spoons
Victorian Pickle Crewets, Silver and Blue Glass Cow Butter Dish, Silver and Blue Glass Salt Cellars with Mother of Pearl Spoons, Engraved Hungarian Silverware, Thomas "Bavaria" Pattern China, Jean Luce "German Gold" Pattern China
Thomas "Bavaria" Pattern China, Jean Luce "German Gold" Pattern China, Lenox Espresso Cup and Saucer, Sterling and Enamel Spoon Set
Davenport "Ribbon" Pattern Platter, Sandwich Glass Opaline Candlesticks, Jean Luce "German Gold" Pattern China, Engraved Hungarian Silverware, Lenox Espresso Cup and Saucer Set with Sterling and Enamel Spoon
Solid Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl