Objects

Silver coloured, plated sugar nips. The nips consist of two elongated, interconnected arms. The arms are decorated with a geometric motif in the form of a groove running along the centre of each arm, and a gouge in the form of an arch visible in front of their joint (also on both arms). The shape of the end of each arm is almond-shaped. Both arm ends are decorated with grooves.

Since as late as a few decades ago sugar itself, but also coffee and tea, were luxury goods, the utensils used to serve them (e.g. sugar bowls, sugar nips, and sets of coffee and tea porcelain) were often richly decorated. According to savoir-vivre guidelines, preparing coffee and tea — as an activity associated with emphasising financial and social status — was something that any well-off lady could do herself in lieu of the housekeeper.

MF