A Worcester Chocolate Cup, circa 1775
This two-handled chocolate cup of so-called ‘French’ shape was manufactured at Worcester in the mid 1770s. The use of turquoise enamel also borrows from French porcelain, being a tribute to the bleu celeste of Sèvres.
The spare simplicity of the turquoise bands and reeded body is relieved by the entwined twig handles with foliate terminals, gilt scrolls and accents, successfully combining the new classical taste (Neoclassical) with earlier rococo influences.
Provenance: The Sibyl Hermele Collection. Mrs Hermele amassed a collection of Chelsea and early Worcester porcelain in London during the 1960s and ’70s, with many pieces being purchased from the dealers of Kensington Church Street.
Condition: No cracks or restoration, just a minute nick to one of the flutes. The turquoise enamel and gilt decoration is in very good order, with only minor wear and fritting to a few high points on the rim. There is a small, glazed potting flaw to the interior.
Dimensions: Height 7.8 cm
Worcester Porcelain 1751-1790: The Zorensky Collection, Simon Spero & John Sandon (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1996).