Chocolate Cup and Saucer

Decoration attributed to James Giles, Worcester Porcelain Manufactory

1770/75

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Oval black basalt medallion with relief profile portrait of Vitellius (15 AD - 69 AD) facing right. Aulus Vitellius was a Roman Emperor reigning for 8 months between 16th April AD 69 and 22nd December AD 69 before being assasinated. Vitellius was quickly proclaimed emperor after the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho.
Censer, or incense burner, of white stoneware covered with brown glaze under a clear pearl glaze, drum shaped with a series of vertical white stripes around the body and gilt floral garlands held by rams' heads with gilt paterae between, with flat perforated cover with a central opening in the form of a two-handled bowl, likewise with vertical white stripes.
Miniature covered potpourri pot of white jasper with dark blue jasper dip and white relief decoration, the body basket shaped with two extended loop handles, the interior is glazed, the exterior of the body decorated with two small relief scenes separated by trees, small flowering plants and a ewer, on one side Bellerophon watering Pegasus and on the other a group of warriors, the perforated cover with small floral motifs and acanthus leaves radiating out from the mushroom finial.
Octagonal dragon lustre bowl with vibrant orange exterior and pale turquoise and ocher interior. The upper and lower rim of the bowl is decorated with a golden, pierced band pattern and a sold golden trim on the upper rim. Two outstretched four-legged, four-clawed golden dragons with scales and curled tail stretching across three fields of the octagonal bowl, each. The dragons have a fierce look with bulging eyes, two horns, a mane and spikes along their backs. There are two simple, golden, swirl patterns on opposite sides of the bowl, dividing the dragons. The same golden, pierced band pattern, two dragons and swirl motifs are decorating the inside of the bowl. The bottom is highly decorated with golden geometric and floral patterns.