French Old Paris (vieux Paris) Cabinet Cup And Saucer With Biscuit Lion Mask, C.1820

An elegant French hard-paste porcelain cabinet cup and saucer produced by an independent Old Paris (Vieux Paris) workshop during the Bourbon Restoration period, circa 1820.

The demitasse cup stands on a high pedestal foot and features a finely gilded loop handle terminating in a sculpted biscuit porcelain lion's mask medallion. Lion-mask handles of this type were generally reserved for the more expensive examples of French porcelain.

The decoration combines deep cobalt-blue panels, delicate rose garlands, a mint-green geometric diaper pattern and finely painted puce medallions. The central medallion depicts a winged putto holding a dove, while the saucer is decorated with a flaming altar and the torch of love, forming an elegant symbolic programme inspired by classical taste.

Applied white biscuit relief decorates both the cup and saucer, while the interior of the cup is fully gilded with richly burnished gold. The saucer bears an incised letter "M", probably indicating the size used within the workshop.

Dimensions:

• Cup: weight 136 g

• height 10 cm

• diameter 7.6 cm

• width including handle 9 cm. Saucer: weight 164 g

• diameter 14.7 cm

• height 3.4 cm

Condition:

Excellent antique condition. The cup has no chips, cracks or restorations. The richly burnished gilding remains exceptionally well preserved both inside and outside. The saucer shows only minor wear to the inner gilt ring. UV examination revealed no 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.