In our era of fast food and instant this, that and everything else, it’s easy to forget how much we take for granted nowadays. A cup of coffee, a cup of tea, exotic fruit from the islands, spices from the east, everything is available via a quick trip to the supermarket and is consumed without too much thought and certainly at times, not that much real appreciation. Back a century or so – a mere blink in the timeline of our cultural history – all these things were treasures to be prized, enjoyed and savoured. I drink my daily espresso in a simple white cup, no frills, no ceremony, but my great (possible great-great plus a few) grandparents took their evening coffee in beautifully crafted porcelain cups, decorated with ornate golden patterns and glazes and supported by intricately worked solid silver holders, such was the occasion and the importance of this everyday pleasure. I’m lucky to have inherited these beautiful pieces and they are constant reminders that for all our apparent modern-day riches and privilege, the more we have, sadly these days, the less we often appreciate……..
I thought they might make an interesting contribution to this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge on the theme ‘Ornate’……….
ALL PHOTOS © JANE MORLEY
If you enjoy the photos on my blog please do visit my brand new website http://www.janemorley.photography where you will find many more photos and also http://www.theartcardpress.com for latest news, a host of greeting cards and photographic prints!
View from a French Hillside 
” I’m lucky to have inherited these beautiful pieces and they are constant reminders that for all our apparent modern-day riches and privilege, the more we have, sadly these days, the less we often appreciate” This statement is so true. A great reminder!
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Thank you marlandphotos!
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A wonderful inheritance, quite beautiful really and it’s probably just the right serving size!
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They are indeed petal pusher! Glad you like them!
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Those are some stunning pieces!
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Thank you Annna – they are very special heirlooms!
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How absolutely lovely! – the cups and your connection. I hope you enjoyed a nice warm drink after taking the photos.
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Thank you Janet, these lovely old cups haven’t been used in a long while but I’m waiting for a relaxing lunch to bring them out and savour a really good espresso in one of them!
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Oh, I hope you do – very gently, of course.
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🙂
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Jane, these are exquisite. You must use them soon and rest in their beauty.
janet
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Thank you Janet, they are lovely and it would be wonderful to use them even if just once!
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Beautiful, ornate cups and stunning photography!
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Many thanks Chrissy, delighted that you like them!
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Love your ornate cups. Wonderful collection from the past. We sometimes forget that we have a historic heritage that reflects on the present.
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Hi Olga! Yes I agree with you it is so important to be aware of the past to help us appreciate our present!
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Glorioso!
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Mille grazie Sarah! 🙂
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Pretty and sophisticated.
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Thank you Beautywhizz! 🙂
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Beautiful and elegant!
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Thank you! So pleased you like them!
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Lovely and exquisite! To celebrate an everyday ritual – everyday! – what a concept. Enjoyed this!
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Thank you so much Julie! That is exactly it – celebrating the everyday and making it special as it should be! 🙂 🙂
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Stunning cups and equally stunning photographs, Jane! xx
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Many thanks indeed Jane – much appreciated 🙂
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Stunning cups and beautifully photographed.
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Many thanks Chris! 🙂
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Beautifully decadent cup and saucer…brings up visions of leisurely majesty in such places as Versailles or the Romanoff palaces. I think tea would be my choice. Excellent photography! janina…
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Many thanks indeed Janina, delighted you like them, a favourite family ‘heirloom’! Sadly one of the saucers is missing but it’s still a beautiful set.
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