Asset number
1004104001
Description
Saucer, one of ten pieces of a Chinese porcelain service, painted in England. This group consists of a teapoy, teapot stand, three coffee cups, two tea cups and three saucers. The painted scenes, which are different on each piece, derive from theatrical characters of the Italian 'commedia dell'arte'. They include Harlequin, in the multi-coloured chequered costume and mask, generally holding a club; Columbine in a long pink dress; and her lover. In one scene Harlequin's arm reaches out from a coffin. All the porcelains have toothed golden rim borders.
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