RDP Thursday: FASHION PLATE

Bone Ash
Photographer Unknown

When I was growing up, the women in  my family collected bone china tea cups- between four of them they had a mind boggling collection. They didn’t put their collections in fancy hutch’s to simply look at and use on very special occasions. They used them every single chance they got and each one seemed to have a story.

At family gatherings where tea and coffee was to be served, I remember proving over and over again that I was a ‘ young lady ‘ ( at age five ) and that I could be trusted to take my warm drinks out of the delicate teacups. Eventually my Nan let me use a delicate  scalloped  light green teacup with gold edging and before she sat it down in front of me, she grilled me on good manners.

After I got married I got about a dozen of those teacups that I had inherited  from Nan when I was young but my Mom kept away until I really had use for them.

My favorite is STILL that lovely little scalloped tea cup and unlike my Nan, I keep it up and away from any chance of harm.

Bone Ash
Photographer Unknown

My fascination with Bone China kicked in when Nan explained to me at a Christmas dinner  that the cups had been crafted from bone ash- from cows she said.

” Cows? ” I said with skepticism dripping from my lips.

” Yes. Cows. ”

” Even the plates? ”

” Yes. If it’s bone china it’s made from bone ash. ”

” People eat food that’s been sitting on painted   dusty cow bones? ”

” Yes. ” Nan looked down at me. ” Don’t be so morbid. ” she told me.

This was the only time I didn’t listen to her and I went on my merry morbid way.

Bone Ash
Photographer Unknown