Cheap FrancisFrancis! Jubilaeum Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 6 (Kitchen) Price

When he invites artists to collaborate in creating porcelainware, Italian designer Francesco normally wishes to amuse and delight, to create a mood that excites appetite and provokes conversation. With this espresso set, however, his artist-collaborator, Andrea Manetti, seeks to inspire contemplation, as she draws on classical religious icons to depict life's irony. "All saints here," one cup says, ambiguously referring either to the innocents depicted on the cup or to us, the espresso drinkers--or to both? Is it sarcasm, plea, or declaration?

The limited-edition "Jubilaeum" (Anniversary) set presents six finely glazed espresso cups bearing Manetti's paintings--which include gold leaf, accounting for the price--along with six white saucers. As usual, designer Francesco packs his gleaming porcelain in a tin case (13-1/2 inches in diameter by 5-1/4 inches high for this set) that, among other suggested uses, can be employed used as a stool (black cotton, foam-filled pillow included). A photograph on the lid shows a young girl sticking out her tongue. ("FrancisFrancis!" cries the despairing parent.) An impish phrase, Poi ti spiego ("I'll explain later"), is printed on the case, along with the story behind it. The artwork, including the gold leaf, is virtually indestructible, and the espresso set is dishwasher-safe. --Fred Brack

CATEGORY:	Kitchen
MANUFACTURER:	FrancisFrancis!
FEATURES:	Limited-edition set of porcelain espresso cups, signed by artist, Decorated by Italian artist's paintings inspired by religious icons, Intent is to portray life's irony, Strong colors--including gold leaf--provoke strong emotions, Tin packing case, complete with pillow, can be used as stool
MEDIA:	Kitchen
ACCESSORIES:
UPC:	791238014012