Qianlong Era, circa 1745 It would seem that the rider, whose saddle in some known Chinese export pieces bears the initials ‘PK’, and for which legend indicates is Prins Carel, née Charles Alexander, Prince of Lorraine, Archduke of Austria, Governor of the Southern Netherlands (1710-1780). During the War of the Austrian Succession, this prince fought on the side of the Republic of the Netherlands and became very popular with the Dutch. They even considered him the savior of the country when, in 1744, he forced the armies of Louis XV to turn around when they were about to enter their country. It is likely that the decoration of this cup was made to commemorate this event. 3 1/2 in. Diam. (includes handle).

Small repaired rim chip