London decorated Chinese export coffee cup

Code: 220325

A Chinese export coffee cup with good quality London decoration, possibly by Jefferyes Hamett O'Neale.  The cup is decorated with a central scene of a figure leaning on a staff and gazing over a lake landscape, within a red and gilt cartouche.  There are scattered flower heads to the outside and inside of the cup.  The cup dates from the Qianlong period c1750-60, and the enamelled decoration was added shortly after it arrived in England.  Height 6.5cm (2.6")

The style and quality of the decoration suggest that this could be the work of Jefferyes Hamett O'Neale - see the publication 'Jefferyes Hamett O'Neale, China Painter and Illustrator' by Stephen Hanscombe, published by Elmhirst and Suttie Ltd in conjunction with a loan exhibition at Stockspring Antiques in 2010.  The manner in which the floral sprays have been painted is reminiscent of the decoration done in the James Giles workshop, and it is possible that O'Neale may have used the Giles workshop to produce this cup.

Condition.  This cup has a consolidated forked hairline extending 2cm from the rim.  There is  rubbing to part of the red and gilt cartouche surrounding the central scene, and the gilding on the inside of the rim is mostly worn away.  The enamels of the main scene and the floral decoration are in good condition.  Please see our photographs.