Set of 10, Chinese Export "Grapevine" Pot De Crème Cups and Covers, C. 1800

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A set of 10 Chinese Export porcelain pot de crème cups and covers, made for the Western dessert service market, … Read more A set of 10 Chinese Export porcelain pot de crème cups and covers, made for the Western dessert service market, late 18th to early 19th century, circa 1790-1820. The cup is potted in a small covered form with a rounded body, applied handle, fitted domed lid, and berry-form knop. Its decoration is executed in overglaze famille rose enamels with purple grape clusters, green vine leaves, gilt vine scrollwork, and gilt rim accents on a white porcelain ground. Maker unknown; attributable to an unidentified Chinese export porcelain workshop, likely Jingdezhen, where much export porcelain for European and American tables was produced.

This form belongs to the tradition of covered custard or pot de crème cups used for rich dessert preparations on formal tables. The British Museum notes that this covered cup type served custard or similar sweets and is rarer than tea or coffee cups, while comparable Chinese Export famille rose custard cups with covers appear in major auction records, including Christie’s examples from an 18th-century collection sale.

The grapevine ornament is especially well suited to a dessert service: the painted fruiting vine forms a continuous band around the cup and lid, giving the small vessel a lively, table-ready character while retaining the refinement of export porcelain. The gilt highlights articulate the rim, knop, handle, and foliate passages, creating a bright contrast against the white porcelain body and the saturated green and purple enamel palette.

Measurements: 3.5" h x 3.5" d x 2.75" w. See less