As I looked up from the treadmill the other day, my eyes fastened on the shelf holding this sweetgrass basket teacup, and I couldn't believe I've never blogged about it before!
Years ago, my friend Kathy and I went to Charleston and Summerville, S.C. for a girlfriend getaway, and we had a truly marvelous time! I remember the non-stop conversations in the car and at the hotel, the shrimp and grits at a restaurant overlooking the water, the half-dozen or so quilt shops we invaded (purchases made at all), a trip to a bookstore where we both bought copies of The Gullah Bible (who knew?), and a visit to the Historic Charleston City Market where I found this teacup.
Actually, I found quite a few teacups before I saw this one, but they started at $60 and I thought that was too much. Yet, if you've read Laura Childs' tea shop mysteries set in Charleston, you know how important sweetgrass baskets are to the local culture. This style of basket weaving is one of the oldest art forms of African origin in the U.S., and oh, how I wanted one of these baskets in the shape of a teacup! Fortunately, as I perused table after table of wares, I found the prices getting better and better. I began to see them for $50, $40, $30. And Kathy would have to refresh my memory, but she told me to pull out cash (which I did), and I think the vendor ended up selling me mine for $20. Score! When we got back home, we learned there had been a small earthquake in Charleston shortly after we left the City Market that day. I cannot believe it had a thing to do with our bargaining skills, but whether it did or not, this sweetgrass basket teacup holds a heap of happy memories for me!
It's lovely and I'm sure smells heavenly. I was given a sweetgrass braid by a couple for helping them with some gardening problems but the dog got ahold of it and chewed the thing to shreds.
ReplyDeleteYou did get the teacup for a good price and a nice reference to the sweetgrass baskets in Theo's shop.
Judith
That was probably Theodosia Browning who didn't like it that you got this. She wanted it for the Indigo Tea Shop!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Charleston - and if I had seen a sweetgrass basket in a teacup shape, I'd have wanted it, too. Now I know - bargain and run for it before the next earthquake hits! :-)
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! My mum & dad went to Charleston a while back. Mum brought me back a sweetgrass rose and she bought herself a very small tray. The artisanship is incredible on both.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very special basket. I have never seen one made into a teacup. Very clever. The basket looks much like our pine needle baskets in the Pacific Northwest.
ReplyDeleteVery sweet!
ReplyDeleteYour teacup basket is very nice, and has such a special memory. I loved visiting Charleston, and would like to return again.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I've never seen a sweetgrass tea cup before. I would love to visit Charleston again.
ReplyDeleteLove the basket and always visit the market when I am there. Charleston is such a fun place to explore. Always something interesting to discover.
ReplyDeleteSweetgrass creations are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet those memories are!! I loved that trip and will cherish the moments always.
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