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"Caudle cups" were originally meant to hold a drink made of warm ale or wine mixed with bread or gruel, eggs, sugar, and spices—a concoction administered to women after childbirth and to sick people. Over time, caudle cups also were used for ceremonial and formal dining occasions. Both of these examples feature blue-on-white decoration inspired by Chinese porcelain. The cup on the left also has thin lines of purple bordering, created by adding manganese oxide powder to the wet glaze surface before firing. Known as "trekking," this technique originated in Holland’s Delft factories and came to England with immigrating potters. The other caudle cup incorporates familiar features of Chinoiserie decoration: a meandering fence, clustered clouds, and unusual foliage. However, all of the figures are wearing western costume, including the cloaked man with the tall brimmed hat.