Question about description.

I was looking up antique creamware and I noticed that what I would call a teabowl and saucer is described as a "handless cup and saucer" by some sellers in the USA. Is "handless" a general description of a teabowl as I have never come across a teabowl thus described.

 

Cup with hands?

 

I think they mean handle-less/handleless and I'd say that it's pretty commonly used for teabowls as many people don't seem to know what a teabowl is. (for example if anyone is wondering).

 

I agree with SIS.

 

I recall reading recently, but not sure where (!), that the handle less English cups are incorrectly described as tea bowls, a term used for oriental cups. No idea whether that is right!

 

OK what you are saying makes sense. I have never heard that description for a teabowl before and I have sold many in my time in the UK. I still have some in the house somewhere. I presume it is a general description in the US. Would you call it that or a tea bowl?

 

If they were copying the oriental, they would be called tea bowls I presume.

 

To quote, or misquote, if I get it wrong "we are divided by a common language"

 

No idea what the correct term is, if this is for an application that limits the number of terms you can use. If it is for a description that allows many words, to be understood on both sides of the Pond, something like 'Tea Bowl Cup No Handles' may be the way to go. Fortunately, 'saucer' should work for all.

 

Around here unfortunately the term is "don't bother". I just bought a set of six at a rummage sale, pretty darned old I think, as part of their BAG SALE - four bucks for a bag full of stuff. I'd call that a tea bowl or a tea cup; those who collect look both ways ... if you can find someone who still collects them....