AmericaJR’s Gloria Rzucidlo was LIVE at the Detroit Institute of Arts for their new exhibit “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate.” It is the first exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts to engage all five senses. In addition to seeing art, you can touch, hear, smell and even taste coffee- and tea-related beverages. From social revolutions that changed the way we drink our morning blends, to design revolutions that changed the objects that we drink from, step back in time to when gathering over a cup of your favorite hot beverage caused a stir that upended the world. Hurry on down to the DIA because the Bitter|Sweet exhibit wraps up on Sunday, March 5th.
Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate
Quote from Sheik Ansari Djezeri Hanball Abd-al-Kadir
Turkish Coffee Service
“A Man Wearing a Mask Drinking a Cup of Coffee” by Giovanni David, 1775
Tea and Coffee Service about 1760
Tea and Coffee Service, about 1804
Gold coffee grinder on left
“Madame de Pompadour as a Sultana” by Carle Van Loo, 1755
Sultan riding on an elephant, 1749
In the 1600s, Dutch and Portuguese merchants brought the first shipments of tea leaves to Europe.
“Woman Taking Her Tea” by Pierre Filloeul after Jean-Simeon Chardin, 1700’s
Tea Service with Fitted Case, 1728-29
English Afternoon Tea Rules of Engagement
Pick up the ceramics to feel the surface texture
Quote from Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes
Sugar Bowl and Box
Six teaspoons and a pair of Sugar Nippers, about 1750
“Cavalier and Lady Drinking Chocolate” designed by Robert Bonnart & Engraved by Nicolas Bonnart, 1690-1710
