Of Coffee Cups and Coffee Mugs

When we drink our coffee, typically our main focus is on the beverage itself (taste, temperature, amount of sugar, amount of cream/milk), and not so much on the cup or mug (and saucer, for some). And for those who are on the go, a paper mug or a styrofoam cup is usually a practical and convenient choice.

But for those who have the time and inclination to linger over (or savor) their drink and the social act itself, sometimes the cup or mug -- its size, design, color, or texture -- can become a convenient focus of one's attention during conversation lulls.

We're all familiar with the functional (and somewhat uninspiring) white-cup-and-saucer setup, and the usual variations of the mug-with-a-handle outline, but occasionally we do get surprised by the odd, whimsical, unusual, sleek, and kitschy cup designs.

There are cups that come in streamlined forms which remind you of sleek, undulating waves, where one part of the cup smoothly flows into the next. This effect is subtly enhanced by the fact that the exterior part of the cup is painted in dark, glossy colors while the inside is delicately shaded in pastel hues.

And then there are exquisitely made cups that look like they should only be used in tasteful settings or during formal occasions, or housed behind glass cabinets.

Chinese metallic mug (Wikipedia)

Whatever your choice is, it is rather comforting to note that cup design hasn't changed much over the centuries, except maybe for the wealth of materials and manufacturing tools and technologies that are now available to present-day cup makers. Thousands of years ago, cups were made from pottery materials (e.g., clay), then eventually cup makers began to use metal (bronze, silver, gold, lead), wood and then porcelain.

Pueblo mugs (Wikipedia)