Spode Etruscan Cup & Saucer Serpent Handle c.1817 Pattern 878

Very stylish Spode etruscan shape cup and saucer with a serpent handle with coiled tail at the lower terminal, c.1817-1825. The saucer has a small well in the centre to hold the cup steady. Bold decoration with a bright orange ground with stylised white flowers on a coiling gilded vine, pattern number 878. Wide gilt rims and gilded detail to the snake handle. Both pieces marked Spode 878 painted in red.

The cup measures 6.3cm (2 1/2") high, 9.5cm (3 3/4") rim to rim and 11.4cm (4 1/2") rim to handle. The saucer measures 15.3cm (6 1/16") wide and 2.5cm (1") high.

Condition is very good with no damage or restoration. There is a little surface wear, mainly to the gilding in the centre of the saucer to the outside of the well. There is a small firing fault on the saucer rim and there is some bubbling under the glaze in this area under the gilt.