Saucer in the context of Mug

Axial symmetry is symmetry around an axis or line (geometry). An object is said to be axially symmetric if its appearance is unchanged if transformed around an axis. The main types of axial symmetry are reflection symmetry and rotational symmetry (including circular symmetry for plane figures and cylindrical symmetry for surfaces of revolution). For example, a baseball bat (without trademark or other design), or a plain white tea saucer, looks the same if it is rotated by any angle about the line passing lengthwise through its center, so it is axially symmetric.

Axial symmetry can also be discrete with a fixed angle of rotation, 360°/n for n-fold symmetry.

In European porcelain, a cabinet cup is an unusually richly decorated cup, normally with a saucer, that did not form part of a tea service but was sold singly (or in a pair) to give as a present or to collectors. They were expected to be displayed in a glass-fronted china cabinet rather than put to regular use. The heyday of the cabinet cup was the second half of the 18th century and the first decades of the 19th century; they worked well in the showy Empire style then in fashion. A more general term, also covering plates and other shapes, is cabinet piece.

The decoration generally included overglaze enamel painting of a very high standard, tending to focus on a single main subject or scene, rather than spreading equally around the cup in a pattern. The saucer was also decorated, often including the central area which would be covered by the cup in use. The bottom of the saucer often lacked the usual depression where the cup sat, as in cabinets the saucer was often displayed placed nearly vertical on a wire holder beside the cup, so that the whole saucer could be seen. Some are pieces commemorating either public events, especially concerning royalty, or private ones. There was often lavish use of gilding, an indication the pieces were not for heavy use, as this often did not wear well.

A mug is a type of cup, a drinking vessel usually intended for hot drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Mugs have handles and usually hold a larger amount of fluid than other types of cups such as teacups or coffee cups. Typically, a mug holds approximately 250–350 ml (8–12 US fl oz) of liquid. A mug-shaped vessel much larger than this tends to be called a tankard.

Mugs typically have a straight-line profile, either perpendicular or flaring. However, this is not defining for the form, and a curving profile is possible. A single vertical handle is essential (otherwise the vessel is a beaker), as is the lack of a matching saucer. A mug is a less formal style of drink container and is not usually used in formal place settings, where a teacup or coffee cup is preferred. Shaving mugs are used to assist in wet shaving.

A gaiwan (simplified Chinese: 盖碗; traditional Chinese: 蓋碗; /ˈɡaɪwɑːn/) or zhong (盅) is a Chinese lidded bowl without a handle, used for the infusion of tea leaves and the consumption of tea. It was invented during the Ming dynasty. It consists of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer.

Since the 17th century the United Kingdom has been one of the world's largest consumers of tea, with an average annual per capita supply of 1.9 kilograms (4.2 lb). Originally an upper-class drink in Europe, tea gradually spread through all classes, eventually becoming common. It is still considered an important part of the British identity and is a prominent feature of British culture and society.

In Northern Ireland and in the rest of the United Kingdom tea drinking blends and preferences vary. Although typically served with milk, it is also common to drink certain varieties black or with lemon. Sugar is a popular addition to any variety. Everyday tea, such as English breakfast tea, served in a mug with milk and sugar is a popular combination. Sandwiches, crumpets, scones, cake, or biscuits often accompany tea, which gave rise to the prominent British custom of dunking a biscuit into tea.