Empire-style "vieux Paris" Cup And Saucer With Lion Mask, Circa 1820

An exceptional antique French hard-paste porcelain cabinet cup and saucer, produced by an independent Old Paris (Vieux Paris) porcelain workshop during the French Restoration period, circa 1820. Raised on a tall pedestal foot, the elegant campana-shaped cup is fitted with a finely gilded loop handle terminating in a sculpted unglazed biscuit porcelain lion's mask medallion. Lion-mask handles of this type were generally reserved for the more expensive French porcelain.

The cup and matching saucer are decorated with a deep pompadour red ground highlighted by finely hand-painted burnished gold ornament. Empire motifs of rosettes, anthemia, scrolling foliage and geometric borders are complemented by a broad matt gilt collar, a fully gilded pedestal foot and a richly gilded interior.

Produced during the golden age of the Paris porcelain industry, this elegant cabinet cup reflects the outstanding quality of the independent Paris workshops supplying luxury porcelain during the early 19th century. Its refined proportions, elaborate gilding and rare biscuit lion-mask handle make it an excellent example of Old Paris porcelain.

Dimensions:

• Saucer: Weight 158 g. Diameter 13.7 cm. Height 2.4 cm. Cup: Weight 156 g. Height 11.6 cm. Diameter 7.4 cm. Width including handle 9.5 cm

Condition:

The saucer remains in excellent antique condition with only very minor rubbing to the gilt decoration, principally around the inner well. The cup displays expected wear to the original interior gilding from use, while the exterior decoration, gilding and porcelain remain in excellent condition. Both pieces have been examined under ultraviolet light and show no evidence of restoration.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.