Qianlong Era, circa 1780 Chinese Export subject European pair both pieces showing a polychrome enamel decoration representing two cherubs embracing and watching a third blowing soap bubbles, surrounded by symbolic objects such as a pyramid, a slab of stone, bagpipes, a terrestrial globe, a lion, a crown, and a scepter. The rims of the saucer and of the cup show a quite elaborate rococo band in gold and old pink, where tree branches and feathers intertwine with two suns. According to Hervouet and Bruneau, Charles Nicolas Cochin the Elder (1688-1754) also used this theme in some of his prints to illustrate the book Ciente et Geometria (Science and Geometry). Lloyd-Hyde (Oriental Lowestoft, pp.90-91, fig. 55) states that this is a decoration inspired by Saint Cloud (France) porcelain, according to some drawings by Hubert Robert (1733-1808) in his youth. Mezin (Cargaisons de Chine, p.119, fig.98) also suggests as a possible source of inspiration a print from the eighteenth century by John Smith (1652-1742), Homa Bulla, in the collection of the National Libraries of France, in Paris. Other authors, like Cohen and Cohen, have suggested that those elements might also represent masonic symbols, not the most obvious ones with architectural tools, but the subtler ones characteristic of the Enlightenment Period. An identical tea bowl and saucer are in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. saucer, 5 in. Diam., teacup, 4 in. W. (includes handle).

Very good condition, with age appropriate wear