Coffee drinking culture: from sipping on a plate to the porcelain cup revolution
In the 17th century, Europe had not yet mastered the technology of porcelain making. Pottery cups were heavy and difficult to hold. In order to cool down, people poured coffee into plates and sipped it. It was also popular to sip it with sugar cubes. In the early 18th century, the Meissen Porcelain Factory in Germany made a breakthrough in porcelain-making technology. Europe began to produce thin, heat-resistant porcelain cups and added handles. The habit of drinking coffee on a plate gradually disappeared. However, parts of Northern Europe and Russia still retain this tradition, showing the evolution of European coffee culture from practical needs to refined craftsmanship.
