Chinese Porcelain Armorial Cup Saucer Gilt Cypher Initials Chain Qianlong 18C

ITEM DETAILS

Inventory Code: INV4513 & INV4514

Object: Cup and Saucer

Material: Porcelain

Origin: China

Period: Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty

Date: Circa 1750-1770

Decoration: Gilt monogram within rococo cartouche, scattered floral sprays, gilt chain border

Mark: Unmarked

MEASUREMENTS

Saucer Diameter: 5.1 in / 13.0 cm

Cup Height: 1.9 in / 4.8 cm

Cup Width: 3.8 in / 9.7 cm (handle)

Cup Diameter: 3.1 in / 8.0 cm

CONDITION

FAIR/RESTORED (2/5) – Saucer with hairline cracks and old restoration visible. Cup with a rim chip and hairline to the rim area, minor wear to gilding and enamels. Please review the photos carefully for more details.

DESCRIPTION

Chinese export porcelain cup and saucer decorated in the European taste during the Qianlong period.

Both pieces are finely painted with elaborate gilt monograms or cyphers enclosed within richly colored rococo cartouches highlighted in pink, blue, green, and gilt.

The borders are finished with a delicate gilt chain pattern and scattered floral sprigs painted in famille rose enamels.

Such personalized services were commissioned by wealthy European families and merchants for private use and display.

An attractive example of mid-18th century Chinese export porcelain combining heraldic and rococo decorative elements.

COLLECTOR’S NOTE

Monogrammed and cypher-decorated Chinese export porcelains were produced in large numbers during the Qianlong era for European clients seeking personalized table services.

The designs were typically copied from drawings sent to Canton, where Chinese artists reproduced family initials, merchant marks, or ownership devices within fashionable rococo cartouches.

Services of this type reflect the strong commercial and artistic exchange between China and Europe during the height of the export porcelain trade in the eighteenth century.

NOTES

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.