Cup and Saucer (gobelet ‘litron’ et soucoupe)
This single-handled, cylindrical cup would have been used to consume tea; however, coffee and hot chocolate were also served in cups like this one. The word “litron” refers to a wooden cup (9.4 cm high and 10.3 cm in diameter) used in the 17th century as the standard measure of grain, flour, salt, and peas. While this particular gobelet ‘litron’ does not conform to these proportions, its cylindrical shape recalls the old wooden vessel. Both the cup and saucer are covered in a repeating pattern of small red and blue dots surrounding colorful garlands of flowers. A heavy line of gilt work encircles the rim of both porcelain pieces and outlines the cup’s ear-shaped handle, giving the set a jewel-like appearance that would have glistened in the candlelit interiors of the 18th century.
Inscription
Geographies
France, Sèvres (Place of Origin)
Measurements
Cup (A) H: 2 5/16 × W with Handle: 2 15/16 × D: 2 1/8 in. (5.9 × 7.4 × 5.4 cm); Saucer (B) H: 1 3/16 × Diam: 4 13/16 in. (3 × 12.3 cm); Overall Cup & Saucer (A & B) H: 2 3/8 × Diam: 4 13/16 in. (6 × 12.3 cm).
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
48.683