London Shape Porcelain Tea Cup & Saucer Printed Shepherdess Pattern 1815

A London or Grecian shape English porcelain tea cup and saucer dating from the first quarter of the 19th century. Both the tea cup and saucer have been transfer printed and hand enamel coloured with a rural or pastoral themed pattern, featuring a shepherd and shepherdess with a sheep under an arbour or gazebo in an idyllic landscape. Both items have been further decorated with flower motifs around them. 

The scene consists of a well dressed young woman in a large hat or bonnet seated beneath a tree with an arbour  or gazebo behind her, she is also cuddling a sheep. A young well dressed shepherd with a crook is proffering some flowers to the young woman. They look like well to do or gentlemen farmers.

The pattern is an unusual one and we have not been able to attribute it to any particular factory. There are no makers marks or pattern numbers. The London shape was popular from circa 1812 to 1825.

The cup stands approx 2 1/2 inches high to the tip of the handle and the saucer has a diameter of 5 3/4 inches. Together they weigh 194 grammes and they are in good order with some rubbing to the decoration, commensurate with age and use. This is a nice, early pair to add to any collection.

Free UK postage and packing, International postage at cost.