European-decorated Chinese teabowl & saucer

Code: IB177

An attractive Chinese export teabowl and saucer with aded European decoration of ‘sentries’ dating from the Yongzheng or early Qianlong period. The cup has light carving of flowers and foliage to the body. This set was imported into Europe as a blue and white cup and saucer, and decoration was added in iron red enamel and gilding to convert the set to the fashionable Imari style with ‘sentry’ figures and pavilions. The rims of both the teabowl and saucer have been decorated with ‘swags’ and flower heads.  The overall effect of this decoration is light and delicate. Saucer diameter 12cm (4.7”)
 

Date
The porcelain Yongzheng or Early Qianlong c1725-1745, and the enamels around the same date.
 

Condition
The teabowl and saucer are both in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.  There is a small area of glaze fritting to the rim of the cup.  There is some rubbing to the gilding - please see images. The saucer has warped slightly in firing.