Description: Ceramic blue glazed pear like vessel with a sealed base and an open top. Wider at top than at base. Rounded oblong handle. Smooth rounded contours. A jug-like appearance.

Construction: The object is fairly heavy and substantial. As I applied what I will call the "tapping and squeezing test", involving tapping the length of the vessel with my fingers and squeezing the object with my hand, I can attest to its solidity. The style is simplistic with no decoration added to the blue glazing. The base is conspicuous for the lack of glazing on its rim (3.5 mm. wide) and the presence of the embossed trademark, "CORELLE stoneware, made in Thailand" indicating that the object was manufactured in a factory assembly line process.

Speculation: This object was created as a vessel to contain objects (any that can fit) and to be carried with ease by aid of the handle. The shape is round and pleasing, rather like that of a miniature jug, but without the spout. If the object is gripped by the handle, one's fingers do not come into contact with the body of the vessel. The fingers are thus isolated and protected. This allows for the vessel to contain hot liquid without burning the hand. The ceramic also insulates from heat.

Provenance: This object is currently used to hold liquids of all kinds-particularly coffee. It is owned by myself and is fairly new. As was previously mentioned this object was made by CORELLE.

Significance: CORELLE designed the object to match or compliment other CORELLE products in a set of kitchenware consisting of glass cups, plates and bowls. The object was thus intended for use in the home along with a set of other domestic products. I use the object as a container for drinks of all kinds, but primarily for my morning coffee.

The aesthetics of this object match its function as a domestic product. Its form is comforting, simple, bright and pleasing. Its solidity suggests reliability and permanence. These attributes may reinforce domestic values that can be associated with the cup.

If Forty´s theories of design are applied, I believe this cup would fall under the "archaic" category, as its appearance is not innovative and it resembles a jug. Furthermore, ceramic is an ancient material. Overall, its form harkens back to ancient vessels.

While the design of the object allows for the possibility to contain hot liquids, no factors suggest that the object is exclusively limited to this function. As was noted, it can contain any objects that fit into the vessel. Thus it is the verbal title, "coffee mug", that seems to largely dictate everyday usage.