Ginori Doccia - 1810/20 - “eggshell” Cup And Saucer With Oriental Motifs

A splendid coffee cup with a saucer. Manufactured by Ginori di Doccia, between 1810 and 1820.
The porcelain used to make these two precious objects is known as “eggshell porcelain” because of its extremely fine thickness and infinitesimal weight: the cup and saucer together weigh just 58 grams! This unique technique attracted the attention of patrons, monarchs, and researchers from the very beginning and continues to fascinate with its translucency and lightness.
Ginori won an award at the 1862 Florence Exposition specifically for this extraordinary technique.
The decoration features Chinese motifs, with an oriental male figure standing on a pagoda and a bird perched on a reed that he holds in his hands. Surrounding them, colorful trees and plants evoke an exotic atmosphere of great charm and taste.
The rim of the cup (as well as that of the saucer) is smooth with fine gold dentils.
The base of both pieces features a solid six-pointed star and rests on a “ring-shaped” foot.
On top, the saucer features three different Oriental figures engaged in playful activities (dancing and music).
The condition is extremely good: the only note worth mentioning is a very slight chip on the saucer. Otherwise, it is in perfect condition.
Cup dimensions: 5.5 x 6.9 cm (H)
Saucer dimensions: 11.9 cm diameter