Chinese export Valentine cup & saucer c1760

A nice quality Chinese export coffee cup and saucer, decorated en grisaiile with black enamels and gilding, and with small touches of iron red, and dating from the Qianlong period c1760. The coffee cup and saucer are decorated with the Valentine pattern, with two lovebirds with iron red beaks billing affectionately while perched on cupid's quiver and bow. In the background is an altar with two flaming hearts. This scene is surrounded by a garlanded curtain and shells. A most attractive design. Saucer diameter 11.7cm (4.6"), cup height 6.6cm (2.6")

The origin of this scene has not yet been discovered.

  Condition
This set is in very good condition. There is some minor rubbing to the gilding in places. The saucer is in excellent, undamaged condition. The coffee cup has one very small and shallow chip at the rim with an associated very short (around 2mm) hairline. See final image.