Some things photograph well and some things are vastly reduced in translation--a good part of the beauty of this c. 1830s Staffordshire "loving cup" is its grand scale, more the size of a trophy than a mug--and indeed loving cups (two handled, typically oversized vessels) were/are often awarded to victors of competitions (well suited for lifting overhead!). I of course am partial to the "loving" aspect-- a cup to be shared by two, taking turns, one handle for each. And what better image of loving than a child snugging a little lamb? (I do believe this particular child is meant to be John the Babtist and his companion the Lamb of God, but no need to get so specific in reading it!) Bright white vessel in beautiful condition, transfer decorated with hand-painted color, and decoration to the interior of the rim and handles too. Much better in person, really quite stunning. One small blue smudge to the interior near the rim, original to it.
8 1/2" across at handles, 5" d at lip, 5" t. Very good condition, bright and crisp, just a bit of surface roughness to the edge of one handle on one side, as detailed, minor. No chips, cracks (aside from a couple of surface hairlines visible from the underside) or repairs and very little crazing.
You might also like
