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Antique French Old Paris Porcelain Chocolate Cup & Saucer
France, Paris, circa 1825–1835
This exceptional Old Paris porcelain cup and saucer should be understood not merely as tableware, but as a miniature architectural painting executed on porcelain during the early 19th century.
The large déjeuner-form cup is hand-painted with an exquisitely detailed Parisian architectural scene depicting a refined hôtel particulier, rendered with precise perspective, subtle tonal modeling, and remarkable attention to windows, masonry, railings, and landscaped details. The painter’s control and accuracy reflect formal architectural draftsmanship rather than decorative convention, elevating this piece into the realm of cabinet-level miniature art.
The exterior scene is framed by lavish, hand-applied gilding, while the interior is fully gilt — a hallmark of high-status Paris chocolate cups, both for thermal retention and to protect the porcelain from the oils and acidity of chocolate. The saucer, original and correct, features bold concentric gilt rings typical of luxury Paris services of the period.
This is a large and scarce format chocolate cup, intended for morning chocolate or café au lait service, and produced for an elite urban clientele. Such pieces were made in small numbers and were often heavily used; survival in this condition is uncommon.
Unmarked, as is standard for Old Paris porcelain.
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🔹 Dimensions
• Cup height: 3.75 inches
• Cup diameter (rim, excluding handle): 4.25 inches
• Cup width (including handle): approx. 5 inches
• Saucer diameter: 6 inches
Condition
Very fine / excellent antique condition.
No chips, cracks, or repairs. Gilding remains bright and well preserved with only minimal, age-appropriate wear. The painted architectural scene is exceptionally clean and sharp.
