Fortune-telling teacup
Date
Credits
- Paragon Producer
Format
- Fine Art 41
Type of Work
- Finished work 5467
Media
- ceramic 7
Locations Made
Tea was introduced from China to Europe in the 17th century. Following this, a new, unexpected form of divination was born. Tasseography is a form of fortune telling that interprets the patterns and shapes of the sediment left on a cup of tea, but it can also apply to other drinks such as wine or coffee. Tea leaf reading likely existed since tea’s invention in China, but several different cultures have their method of practicing it.
In England, special cups and saucers that were created specifically for tasseography, such as the one shown above, became very popular. The drawings and symbols inside this specific cup are meant to help interpret the tea leaves.
The text around the rim says: Many curious things I see when telling fortunes in your tea.
