Cylindrical in form, the cup has a flat base resting on a shallow footring and a rounded lateral handle in the form of a console foot, terminating in a drop-shaped motif. It is accompanied by its matching saucer, also with a flat base resting on a discreet footring and with a sloping rim.
The term “litron cup” appeared around 1752 at the Vincennes Manufactory. It refers to a model inspired by the tankard, a vessel popular at the time. This type of cup became emblematic of the 18th century, a period during which manufactories began producing cups and saucers in series to meet the growing consumption of hot beverages — tea, coffee and chocolate — which were becoming increasingly established in European drinking habits.
HARD-PASTE PORCELAIN.
The cup and its matching saucer are decorated with two doves perched upon a quiver, accompanied by arrows and foliage. The composition is framed by cobalt-blue bands highlighted with rich gilt lines and scrolling foliage, further enriched with a scattering of small stars and gilt dot motifs. Gilt lines to the borders.
Mark(s) : “VV” painted in gold with a brush,
Dimension(s) : Cup: H. 4.6 cm - L. 6.7 cm - Saucer: Diam. 9.8 cm,
Condition(s) : GOOD CONDITION - Minute restored chip to the rim of the cup (restoration invisible to the naked eye),
Period : 18TH CENTURY,
Observation(s) : Very minor wear consistent with age and use.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, doves carried particularly rich symbolism in the decorative arts, painting and porcelain, where their presence was rarely incidental. In the present example, the doves perched upon a quiver accompanied by arrows clearly belong to an amorous and Neoclassical vocabulary inherited from Antiquity.
Doves symbolised faithful and tender love, gentleness, affection and marital union, with two doves almost invariably evoking the image of a united couple. They were also associated with Venus — or Aphrodite — for whom they were traditional attributes in ancient iconography, later revived during the Louis XVI and Empire periods. They also embodied the ideas of harmony and serenity.
The quiver and arrows refer directly to Cupid and the theme of Love. In the decorative arts of the period, an abandoned quiver accompanied by doves often formed an allegory of peaceful love or tender, softened romantic affection.
Crédit Agricole
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