The mustache cup was a drinking device created for men in the 18th and 19th centuries, equipped with a blocking device to protect the mustache from getting wet while drinking tea.  The cups and tray are adorned with illustrations of beard and mustache styles popular at the time, along with a scene from a barber shop in which a gentleman daydreams of his appearance.  This piece is meant to satirically and sarcastically question the dominant role given to men and expose their own vanity.