A pair of massive Chinese Export “loving cups” and covers decorated with flowers. Qianlong period

Of U-shaped form bowl, decorated in the famille rose palette, to the center on both sides with sprays of flowers, flanked by two molded handles on each side, supported by a cylindrical stem and splaying foot, the tiered cover with a scroll knop studded with shells.

Related works

For a pair of loving cups on the same size, with an armorial decoration (Le Mesurier), see Christie’s NYC, The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller: English & European Furniture, Ceramics and Decorations, Part I, 9 may 2018, lot 158 (sold 22.500 USD).

For another example, with an unusual decoration of Ribbon-tailed bird (shoudainiao), see Cohen & Cohen with William Motley, Ladies First or There’s nothing like a dame!, p. 68, no. 43.

This shape is describe as “rare” by William Motley in Chinese Export Porcelain, thought examples are known in American collections.

A single cup, without cover, with the same decoration as the Cohen’s loving cups is in the collections of the Hermitage Museum and illustrated by T. Arapova in Chinese Export Art in the Hermitage Museum, p. 64, pl. 71.

See JA Lloyd Hyde, Oriental Lowestoft – Chinese Export Porcelain, plate XV for a single example but with an unusual decoration scene after Watteau.

See E. Gordon, Collecting Chinese Export Porcelain, pl. III, for an example with arms Le Mesurier.

See J.G. Goldsmith, China Trade Porcelain, pl. 84 for an example with arms of Le Mesurier.

Notice

These loving cups which originate from a European form  used in marriage ceremonies, the handles being held simultaneously by a couple as they drink together from a cup.