Cup

Staffordshire

1690-1700

See More of the Collection

So-called "Fairyland Lustre" octagonal bowl, outside painted from the Woodland Elves VI series in "Fiddler in Tree": massive tree trunks with branches bearing large green leaves form arches under which fairies play. A fiddler is perched on a branch above leapfrogging elves. Painted in gold, purple, green and pale yellow. Inside painted in "Ship and Mermaid": Mottled pillars supporting ogee arches with a rose-backed grille reveal a type of mediaeval French chateau on a rocky shore and a collection of objects: a galleon in full sail, the head of a crocodile, a mermaid and a dovecote on a small island with two bat-winged figures seated back to back.
Obverse: Bust front holding the Ninety-Five Theses. Reverse with inscription.
Oval black basalt intaglio with profile portrait of bearded man
Small caneware urn decorated with encaustic painting, of amphora shape with black bands around the edge of the foot and stem, the main body decorated with the image of a bearded man and a woman in classical dress at an altar; the man holds a staff and a bowl and the woman a jug (Libation to Zeus?), below them is a band of classical inspiration and around the neck is a decorative band of abstract leafy elements, the reverse of the vase has a purely decorative motif of scrolling vines and anthemions, the handles and lip likewise edged in black.