He's of the color of the nutmeg. And of the heat of the ginger...he is pure air and fire... William Shakespeare

{HISTORY}

It's true that Shakespeare wasn't talking about soup or bowls or spices even, when he wrote that line, instead he was talking about a horse. And not just any horse but a zesty, spirited animal that was curiously magical. Which is exactly how we would define these vintage soup cup bowls. Made by Syracuse China in the early 1990's, they are part of the Nutmeg pattern, a design which is defined by a taupe rim and air-brushed details that are both curious and magical. Look at the pattern quickly and you'll think it is some sort of lacy, floral pattern. But study it for  a moment longer, and you'll see that it is actually a series of shapes - hearts, leaves, pineapple tops, even something that looks like a mustache. Curiously magical indeed. 

With their petite size, these four restaurant dishes were intended to satisfy appetites that called for a small cup of soup rather than a large bowl of soup. They were meant for companion ordering like soup and sandwich, or soup and a salad, or as a starter to a bigger part of the meal. A cup of split pea, a cup of chili, or chicken noodle, or chowder that's what the eaters ordered on cold winter days. Now, they'll fill your belly full with a batch of winter warmth from the best restaurant in town - your very own kitchen. Of course they can hold a lot more than soup too - accommodating all sorts of foods from yogurt to ice cream - and can even be used as handle-less cups for coffee or tea. Their nesting ability also allows for easy stacking in the cupboard or on the shelf. Space savers that look pretty while also serving so many purposes... it's three cheers for these four little darlings.

As for the brief history of Syracuse China, it was named after the city where it started (Syracuse, New York) and was leader in restaurantware manufacture for over 135 years. Through name changes, company restructuring, competition and buyouts, they managed to navigate the changing landscape of the American dish market with style and dedication to quality and craftsmanship still appreciated and admired today.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Hard to find pieces in this pattern

- Matching set of four

- Colors include taupe and ivory

- Stamped on the bottom with the Syracuse mark and manufacturing code (20-A) which means they were made in the first three months of 1991

{CONDITION}

In perfect condition. No chips, cracks or scratches. 

{SIZE}

Each cup measures 2.25" inches (height) x 3.75" inches (diameter) 

{STYLE IDEA}

Because of their classic style, these soup cups pair perfectly with other vintage dishes in neutral colors, especially vintage restaurantware like this plate, which was also made by Syracuse China.