Cup and saucer

Dateca. 1800

MediumPorcelain, hard-paste

DimensionsD: 3 7/16" OH: 1 7/8"

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number2009-200,A&B

DescriptionChinese porcelain cup and saucer decorated with grape clusters, vines and sheaves of wheat in opaque enamels and gilding. A gourd appears in the center of the saucer and well of the cup.

Label TextAfter the Revolution, Americans began to trade directly with China. As a result, Chinese manufacturers based more porcelain designs on specific patterns requested by North American consumers. The decoration on this cup and saucer was designed by Catherine Deshler Roberts for her daughter Elizabeth Roberts on the occasion of her marriage to James Canby. The grape and vine motif was not unique to this service. Catherine Roberts likely chose the combination of border patterns and central motifs from a variety of options offered by a china merchant in Philadelphia, who then sent to Asia for the service.
ProvenanceMiss Beatrix A. Rumford, 698 Counselor's Way, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (address after April 6, 2009 88 Sycamore Lane, Lexington, VA 24450

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