Cup and Saucer | Blue and Cream

The most important aspects In the creation of my cups are

 

1) they look artistic
 and
2) they are quite functional.

All ceramic ware benefits from even wall thickness. In this case, the body walls, the base, and the handle are all the same thickness.
This is scientifically smart, for it helps in avoiding ‘thermal shock’. ALL ceramic ware is susceptible to this phenomena, including ware commercially created. Cracking of clay can occur when clay is quickly heated, or quickly cooled.

When we pour boiling hot tea or coffee into a cup, ‘thermal shock’ can always come into play. The clay molecules expand when heated. When the clay walls are all the same, the cup can all expand at the same rate.
(Rinsing the cup first under warm tap water can help eliminate this potential problem.). This can start the slow expansion of the molecules.

As an experiment, I have used a cup, the same cup, for 11 years straight - for my morning coffee. Even using K-cups to create near boiling water/coffee going straight into the room-temperature cup. And reheating the coffee (and cup) in the microwave 2-3 times daily. My porcelain, even-walled cups are functional, uniquely individually-designed, and beautiful. (Hand-washing is highly recommend).