Trembleuse facts for kids
A trembleuse (say: TRAHM-blooz) is a special kind of cup and saucer. The saucer has a raised edge or a deep spot where the cup fits perfectly. This design helps to stop drinks from spilling. It was made for people who might have shaky hands, so they could drink hot tea or chocolate safely.
Contents
What is a Trembleuse?
A trembleuse is a unique drinking set. It includes a cup and a saucer. The saucer has a special part that holds the cup very securely. This prevents the cup from sliding around or tipping over.
Why Were They Invented?
These cups were designed for people who had trouble holding things steady. This could be due to a weak grip or a medical condition that caused their hands to shake. The trembleuse made it easier and safer for them to enjoy hot drinks without spilling.
How Are They Designed?
The saucer often has a raised rim or a deep well. Sometimes, this well is made with openwork. This means it has decorative holes or patterns. When it has openwork, it is sometimes called a Mancerina. The cups themselves could have handles or not. Some even came with a lid to keep the drink warm. Trembleuses were usually sold one at a time, not as part of a big set.
A Look at Their History
Special saucers like these have been used in Chinese ceramics for hundreds of years. In Europe, the idea for the trembleuse started in Paris in the 1690s.
Many famous porcelain makers created trembleuses. These include:
- Sèvres in France
- Meissen in Germany
- Vienna in Austria
The Sèvres company used the name Gobelet et soucoupe enfoncé for their cups with a deep saucer. They started using this name in their catalogs around 1759.
See also
In Spanish: Mancerina para niños
