Pair Orange Ikat Piala Teacups [Uzbekistan]

We adore these teacups (called Piala) we bought whilst traveling around Uzbekistan. Even though these particular Piala ceramics were produced during the Soviet period the bold colour and pattern are a truly unique reflection of the ikat textile found throughout Uzbekistan. From the middle to the end of the 20th century, this hand-painted tableware was part of the everyday Uzbek culture. The fall of the Soviet Union resulted in the closure of the factories responsible for manufacturing these unique ceramics.

THE DETAILS

• Each bowl is slightly different as the design was sprayed by hand
• Used vintage produced around the 1970's
• Items in good used condition (some loss of gold rim paint)
• Listing is for 2 matching teacups
• Handwash only
• Never use in dishwasher or microwave (the gold doesn't like it)
• Height 5.5cm
• Diameter 11cm

THE STORY
Tea is such an integral part of Central Asian culture. Uzbekistan holds one of the highest levels of tea consumption per capita in the world. Chaikhanas (tea houses) can be found almost everywhere in Uzbekistan and are often the towns social center. It is where people come to drink tea, talk with friends, hear the latest news, gossip and relax. 
Every meal should begin and end with the national beverage which has it's own unique serving ceremony. Great importance is placed on hospitality in the region. In every house a guest will be offered a cup (piala) of tea. The freshly brewed tea is poured from the teapot into a ceramic cup and then returned to the teapot 3 times, allowing the full flavor of the tea to develop. The fourth time, tea is poured into the guest's cup, filling it only halfway so that it will be the perfect temperature for enjoyment.

We'd love to hear from you if you have any questions.
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