This is one of a pair of Russian Gardiners Porcelain teacups I found dusty and unloved in a local antique shop. — This is one of a pair of Russian Gardner Porcelain teacups I found dusty and unloved in a local antique shop.

On a cobalt lake,

Chinese figures clad in gold,

Float in a teacup.

Here is a view of the cups. You can see more of the Chinese figures floating across the sufrace.

This is a closeup view of a Gardner porcelain teacup form the 19th century. Within this one cup lies so much of the world, for Francis Gardner, an English business man founded the factory in 1766 after being granted a permit to be the first private manufacturer of porcelain in Russia. He employed an Expert from Germany to train the Russian decorators who then proceeded to produce porcelain of exquisite quality that showed influence from around the world including England, Prussia, France and China.

This cup, with its European Rococo inspired shape has been printed with fantasy figures inspired by Chinese scenes. The background in rich cobalt blue has become synonymous with certain types of Russian porcelain but the cobalt used to produce it comes from Persia originally. Naturally the tea, for which the cup was made could have come from China or India.

At some point in their lives, these two cups and saucers survived two World Wars and the Russian Revolution, traveled unscathed to the other side of the globe, finally finding themselves in Perth, Western Australia where they now sit in a glass fronted cupboard in my kitchen where I see them every day.

Now if this isn’t the world in a tea cup I don’t know what is!

This is the mark of Gardner porcelain. It is fascinating that a simple English name like Gardner becomes a wonder when written in Cyrillic.

Many thanks to our contributors from last weeks challenge – Oil

Kate Martyn has a combination for blending opposites with her haiku

https://katemartynauthor.wordpress.com/2015/09/26/tjs-household-haiku-challenge-oil/

A mouthwatering haiku from Edwina’s Episodes hers

http://edwinasepisodes.com/2015/09/26/tjs-household-haiku-challenge-oil/

A very clever chained haiku from DarkLight Harbor

https://darklightharbor.wordpress.com/2015/09/26/oil/

Tucked Into a Corner explores the uses of oil in her triplet this week

https://darklightharbor.wordpress.com/2015/09/26/oil/

Elusive Trope has come up with a simple and delicious haiku recipe

http://elusivetrope.com/2015/09/28/the-final-touch/

Al The Author has gone with a haiku pun this week.

https://altheauthor.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/haiku-oil/

Finally Pat leaves a lovely message in her haiku.

http://aseasonandatime.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/tjs-household-haiku-challenge-oil.html

Past challenges are only a click away. Here are all the topics so far

Games Mirror Tray Teapot

Candlestick Keys Bowl Clock

Chair Box Photograph Vase

Platter Pen Lamp Spoons

Weeds Brolly Piano Glass

Windows Cobwebs Recipes Fabric

Scales Oil Jug Book

How to Participate

If you would like to participate in the weekly Household Haiku Challenge then please write your haiku on your own blog as a post (we love to see your own photos too!), add your contribution as a link to your post in the comment section here and put “TJ’s Household Haiku Challenge” on your tag list on your own post so others can find you! Just click on the speech bubble at the end of this post to access comments.

You can use any aspect of the prompt. “Teacup” could be the teacup itself, its sentimental attachment, where it came from…anywhere that the concept leads you! It is all about having fun.

If you would like more information about the challenge then you can view the instructions page HERE

Also don’t hesitate to make suggestions for future household objects in the comments section! I need ideas!!!! 🙂

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