This tea cup has a conical shape with everted gilt-edged rim and a light green footring. The exterior is decorated with sprays of rose pink peonies with dark and light green leaves. Peonies are auspicious symbols in the Peranakan culture that represent spring, love, beauty and good fortune. These motifs are painted on a rose pink background. The colour carries connotations of happiness, longevity, youthfulness and innocence. At the rim is a green border decorated with symbols from the Eight auspicious Buddhist emblems with trailing ribbons. These symbols represent all manner of good wishes. This piece could have been part of a tea set used during the wedding tea ceremony. The bridal couple would serve tea to their parents and elders to obtain their blessings.
