cupandsaucer

Cup and saucer, often written as cup-and-saucer or cupandsaucer in catalogs, refers to a paired piece of tableware consisting of a small cup designed for tea or coffee and a matching saucer that supports the cup and catches spills. The term is widely used in English-speaking contexts and in museum and collector catalogs.

The two components are the cup, which typically holds a modest amount of hot beverage, and the saucer, a shallow plate designed to hold the cup and spare a place to set it down. Tea and coffee cups began to be paired with saucers in the 18th century as porcelain production and service patterns evolved. Materials commonly include porcelain, bone china, and earthenware, often with decorative finishes such as hand painting, transfer printing, gilding, or patterns inspired by floral, scenic, or geometric motifs.

Design and production have varied with historical styles, from Rococo and neoclassical shapes to contemporary minimalist forms. Cup and saucer sets have served both functional and ceremonial roles, especially in tea-drinking cultures where the saucer helps protect surfaces and provides a convenient place for a used spoon or sugar packet. In museums and among collectors, sets are valued for maker, pattern, age, and condition; chips or cracks reduce value, while complete original sets with well-preserved decorations can be highly desirable. Modern options continue to include cup and saucer in many dinnerware collections, maintaining the traditional pairing for tea, coffee, or ceremonial service. See also teacup, teapot, and dinnerware collections.