By Ann Nichols
Staff Writer
Anna Safley Houston’s antiques shop was one of the late Hazel Littleton’s favorite stops during frequent trips to Chattanooga. From this treasure-trove, Littleton purchased many butterfly-handled teacups and teapots, which she donated to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts in 1970.
Of all of the individual collections in the holdings of the museum, the butterfly-handled tea pieces are by far the most popular among visitors, said museum director Amy Frierson. The collection has been put on special display through October.
China painting was a popular hobby, as well as industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although many of the pieces in the Houston collection arrived in this country as blanks and were painted primarily by women, some were completed by professional artists in British, European and Asian porcelain factories.
The delicacy of the butterfly-shaped handles indicates that they were intended for decorative purposes, rather than actual use. A mustache teacup in the exhibit clearly supports this theory. Also, a child’s miniature tea set of six saucers and plates in excellent condition suggests that it was kept in a safe place in the home and not an item for play.
One 1890 Dresden demitasse cup and saucer set is embellished with flowers and gilt. Another demitasse set from the same period is decorated with magnolias, green foliage and gilt.
Representing Japan in the exhibit are several pieces of Kutani ware with oriental designs and handpainted geishas.
Finally, a pastel pink cup, enhanced with the image of a rabbit sitting next to four eggs, illustrates the whimsy of its designer.
“While these lovely pieces are popular with visitors, most people tell us they’ve never seen any like them anywhere else,” said Frierson. “We wonder if there were many more that simply did not survive because of their fragility.”
The collection received special recognition in the 2009 publication “Collectible Cups and Saucers: Identification and Values,” written by Jim and Susan Harrison of Neptune, N.J.
The museum, 201 High St., is open Monday through Friday and by appointment on weekends. Guided tours begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and $3.50 for children 4-17. Call 267-7176.
Contact Ann Nichols at annsnichols@aol.com.