LITRON CUP and SAUCER in PARIS PORCELAIN – LOCRE MANUFACTORY – DIRECTOIRE PERIOD

An individual drinking vessel designed for the consumption of hot beverages, the litron cup is distinguished by its cylindrical form, flat base resting on a shallow footring, and lateral ovoid handle with a small scroll terminating in a teardrop-shaped tip. It is accompanied by its matching saucer, also with a flat base resting on a discreet footring and featuring a sloping rim.

The term “litron cup” first appeared around 1752 at the Vincennes Manufactory. It refers to a model inspired by the tankard, a popular drinking vessel at the time. This type of cup became emblematic of the 18th century, a period during which manufactories began producing cups and saucers on a larger scale in response to the growing consumption of hot beverages — tea, coffee and chocolate — which were becoming firmly established in European drinking habits.

HARD-PASTE PORCELAIN.

The cup and its matching saucer feature a RARE deep blue ground imitating lapis lazuli, enlivened with cloudy marbling and gilt speckling suggestive of natural mineral inclusions. The borders are decorated with a compartmented polychrome frieze composed of alternating pink-ground panels and pale green reserves, enriched with stylised floral motifs and black scrolling foliage, the whole framed by gilt bands.

Mark(s) : Painted in blue with a brush, comprising two crossed arrows,

Dimension(s) : Cup: H. 6 cm - L. 8.7 cm - Saucer: Diam. 12.4 cm,

Condition(s) : PERFECT CONDITION,

Period : DIRECTOIRE / CONSULATE,

Observation(s) : Very minor wear consistent with age and use.

The so-called “lapis lazuli ground” decoration appeared in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, in a context marked by a strong enthusiasm for hardstones, marbles and precious materials, inspired by Antiquity, palace interiors and the great porcelain manufactories. Intended to imitate the appearance of lapis lazuli, it is characterised by a deep blue ground enlivened with marbling and small gilt touches recalling natural inclusions.

This type of decoration required considerable technical mastery, involving several carefully superimposed layers. Lengthy and costly to produce, it was made only in limited quantities, which accounts for its relative rarity today.