A pair of Chinese famille rose coffee cups with masonic design c1760

An interesting pair of Chinese export famille rose coffee cups with rope twist handles, with possible masonic connection, dating from the Qianlong period.  Each cup is decorated with flower sprays and foliage on overglaze enamels.  Around the rim there is an unusual band of stylised scrollwork with a small gilt sun and a serpent.  (This same border is seen on the more elaborate famille rose teabowl and saucer which we are selling - our item #270604.)  In the book 'The Choice of the Private Trader' by David S Howard a cup and sacuer with this border is shown as item 209, and the authors speculate that the symbolism was masonic.  Cups height 6cm (2.4").

Date: Qianlong c 1750-60

Condition: both of the cups are in very good condition, with no chips, cracks or restoration.  There are glaze flaws to the base of one cup, and both cups have small firing spots to the interior.  There is a little rubbing to the gilt decoration on the handles.