Teacup
Date1750-1752
Artist/Maker
Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory
1745-1769
MediumSoft-paste porcelain
DimensionsDIA: 3in. (7.6cm); H: 2 1/16in. (5.2cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1962-33,1
DescriptionDecagonal, soft-paste porcelain teacup with the "Lady & Pavilion" pattern, resembling the Kakiemon prototype. The exterior is decorated with a woman in turquoise and red robes and a pavilion with curtains and tassels painted with red, yellow, blue and turquoise, with some gilt highlights. There is a blue, flying bird and a bird cage. At the bottom of the interior of the cup is a stylized white flower. There is a line of brown, iron oxide on the rim.Label TextThe lady-and-pavilion design appears frequently on Chelsea. The rarity of this piece lies in the shape of the teacup, which is molded into ten rather than the usual eight sides. The 1755 catalog refers many times to "octogon" pieces of tea and dinnerware, but only a very few "ten square" items are listed, and then only larger ones, such as basins and compotiers.Inscription(s)NoMark(s)NoProvenanceEx coll: M.G. Kaufman, Chicago
