Chelsea Derby Porcelain Bird In Branches Moulded Tea Cup

A rare Chelsea Derby porcelain tea cup with crisp moulding to the walls of two birds sitting in flowering prunus branches. A decorative frieze in red and green enamel and gilt runs under the rim. Gilt dentil rim to the inside, graduated dots down the back of the handle and the sides and foot rim also with gilt band. Inside is painted a floral sprig in blue and green. Two small firing faults have been decorated with gilt sprigs, a quaint habit much used at Chelsea. Red anchor to the base. c.1775.

It measures 5cm (1 15/16") high and 7.4cm (2 7/8") rim to rim.

In excellent condition with no damage, repair or restoration. Some gilt wear to the dentil rim and a small scuff to the glaze in the same place. Minimal handling wear otherwise. Some discolouration inside the foot rim and in two small places on the outer edge.