With April Fools' Day just past, here is one of our more amusing objects. From the collection housed at The Elms, this circa-1650 Chinese porcelain cup is more than what meets the eye. In the shape of a five-petaled flower, the tiny cup contains a figure of Budai (or Pu-Tai), a Buddhist monk commonly depicted with a laughing face and round exposed belly. This figure covers a small hole in the bottom of the cup. When filled to the top, the puzzle cup (also known as a trick cup) would dribble liquid on the unsuspecting holder. (Gift of the Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Berwind II, 2008) #newportmansions #theelms #gildedage #gilded #sundayfunday #sundayvibes #sundayread