A Chinese Coffee Cup, decorated in London, circa 1720-40
Originally painted in underglaze blue with a trailing peony issuing from a rock formation, this Chinese coffee can was transformed by a European decorator with the addition of iron-red and gilt to create an Imari pattern. A neatly painted trellis-flower head border has been added, and the interior base shows the remains of a pink and white enamelled peony with a green, linking it to the ‘Limehouse Class’ of decoration.
Dimensions: Height 6 cm.
Condition: A small chip to the rim and wear to the gilt decoration and enamel flower to the interior base. No cracks or restoration, just original firing flaws.
European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain 1700-1830, Helen Espir (Jorge Welsh Books, 2005).
The Watney Collection of Chinese Porcelain Decorated in Holland and England (Bonhams sale catalogue, 7 November 2003).
Price: £50.