Porcelain Coffee Cup Holder (Zarf) with Floral Motifs

Unbekannter Künstler

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.