This is my entrant into this week's Gracious Hospitality Tea-a-Thon. The Assignment: Share how the theme of tea has influenced your home decoration.
I found this whimsical sugar mummy while on vacation in New Zealand and instantly fell in love! The artist is Marion Mewburn and she is known for her teapots, fairies, and sugar mummies. To find such a thing in the remote region of New Zealand's South Island, specifically the town of Franz Josef (named for the Franz Josef Glacier) made it the perfect souvenir!
As an aside, New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit. I thought at the time what a great family vacation as there are so many family oriented activities such as exploring caves, kayaking trips, mineral springs, tramping, world class fly fishing and, well, you get the idea. It also has a well preserved indigenous Maori culture . As a bonus, the food is rather delish. The baked goods are particularly wonderful and while there I ate some of the best meat pies, muffins, and cookie bars ever!
Back to my Sugar Mummy. Please note the ample (and partially exposed) bosom. All of the sugar mummies had this distinguishing feature. It amuses me because it brings to mind the Regency era dichotomy of seemingly prim and proper behavior (drinking tea, naturally) and the decidedly risque feminine attire often worn during that period.
My little Sugar Mummy happily resides on my kitchen counter next to my everyday teapot and she brings a smile to my face every morning!
Oh yes. I almost forgot! The reason she's called a Sugar Mummy is because when you lift her up - you find a sugar bowl!
23 comments:
How adorable! I'd never heard of them.
She is darling!!! Something really cure to search for. Do you think that are only found down-under? Thank you for an interesting and creative post.
LaTeaDah
Although I haven't yet made my rounds of all the blog-a-thon participants this week, I'm going to jump out on a limb and say you have probably presented the most unusual item. In a 25-year relationship with tea and tea accessories, I've never come upon a Sugar Mummy before. The one on the artist's website is equally cute.
Apparently, everywhere other than New Zealand, a Sugar Mummy is the opposite of a Sugar Daddy. At least that's all my online search could turn up when I wanted to see more of them. You have a truly unique item.
She is adorable! I've never seen or heard of a Sugar Mummy before. How cool that you have something so unique.
How unique! I love it :), what a wonderful piece of artwork to cherish with wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing!
Kathi :)
I must confess, I've never heard of a Sugar Mommy! You learn something new every day. Very interesting reading about your tea, but nope I still don't think I could drink it ;)
New Zealand also has a terrific rugby team called the All Blacks. They also have a lot of sheep!
I had a friend who was a veterinarian there for years.
What a delightful accessory! I'm sure she does make you smile each morning. I'll have to ask my NZ relatives if they have tea mummies..
What a marvelous post! I enjoyed the wonderful education I got here today! The sugar mummy is great...
How nice to learn something about New Zealand food culture! The tea mummy is whimsical and delightful!
How nice to learn something about New Zealand food culture! The tea mummy is whimsical and delightful!
Love the Sugar Mummy :) Oh, how I would love to go to New Zealand. The only thing keeping me (besides time and $) is the long plane ride!
What a cute Sugar Mummy! I've never seen anything like it before but it sure is adorable. :)
Revee
What a lovely sugar bowl. But is it empty? I don't use sugar for my tea either. It's such a nice little thing to have, to brighten ones day.
What an adorable and rare find! I have never heard of them either. I can she why she makes you smile. Nice post.
How cute! It's so much fun to learn new things...I'd never heard of a sugar mummy. I can certainly see why she brings a smile to your face each morning.
I love her sassy and fun style. She would brighten my morning too.
As much as I love to drink tea, I don't think I have any tea-related decorations. I've been so concerned about acquiring the necessities, I've completely overlooked the fun side. Of course, I must admit that I really only started to drink tea about 3 years ago. It all started with a gift of loose tea and a tea ball from Dan.
That is the most darling little piece I've ever seen! Not only is she cute but original and useful!
Your sugar mummy is really unique and cute!!
Wow -- that IS an ample bosom. She's hilariously adorable!
She has an attitude! I love her. I am envious, New Zealand!! How wonderous!
Vicki
That is so cute and very unusual.
Thanks for the info on New Zealand. We're going this summer (their winter) and it's nice to have a little first hand info!
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