18th Century Derby Porcelain Cup & Saucer Barbeaux Sprigs, c.1785

Very pretty and fine quality Derby coffee cup and saucer with moulded right to left shanking with acanthus leaves moulded from the base, in between each flute.  A gilded band runs around the top with twining gilt fronds spiralling off it, each finishing with a cornflower in blue and pink. The lower half is decorated with 3 gold and blue and pink floral sprays of cornflowers and a bellflower and a further spray in the base of the cup and finished with a dentil rim. Matching decoration on the saucer and the cup has a set of gilded bows running down the handle. 

Puce mark to the base, c.1785. An identical shaped cup is illustrated in Berthoud's Compendium Of Cups as being Chelsea Derby so this is likely a similar period, c.1785.

The cup measures 7cm (2 3/4") high, 9cm (3 1/2") rim to handle and 6.7cm (2 5/8") rim to rim. The saucer measures 13.5cm (5 1/4") wide and 2.6cm (1 1/8") high. 

Condition is fair; the set displays beautifully but the cup has a hairline running from the rim to the right of the handle and curves down following the line of the flutes. It measures approx. 7cm. There is no other damage or restoration to either piece and surface wear is very light, just a little rubbing to the rims and to the sprig in the centre of the saucer. The hairline is a shame as the set cannot be used but it is stunning and very fine piece which looks beautiful displayed.