This attractive Meissen teacup is beautifully handpainted with flowers in a style popular in the 1740s. This manner of detailed botanical decoration, resembling woodcut illustrations, is an early example of Deutsche Blumen painting, a style of flower painting that became less stiff and more naturalistic in the 1750s. The flowers include anemone and convolvulus. The scroll handle and interior are painted with small sprigs. The slightly everted rim is painted with a chocolate line.

Painted underglaze blue crossed swords mark and Pressnummer 66 or 99.

Worcester looked back to Meissen of this period when they produced teawares using this shape in the 1770s. Even the blue crossed swords mark and number were imitated by Worcester on these wares.

Condition: Excellent, no chips, cracks or restoration. The sophisticated enamel decoration is in excellent order.

Dimensions: Diameter 3 1/8" (7.9cm); Height 1 3/4" (4.4cm)

18th-Century German Porcelain, George Savage (Rockliff, 1958).