Chinese Export Portuguese Market Armorial Cup & Saucer – Sobral

Chinese export porcelain cup and saucer, circa 1775.
 
Dimensions: 
            The saucer is approximately 4¾” in diameter.
            The cup is approximately 2⅞” in diameter x 2” high.

Decoration: 
The border of the saucer has a gilt edge and is decorated with colorful strap-work scrolls with peacock panels and floral garlands.
 
The center of the saucer is decorated with an oval coat of arms bearing the motto “Nomen Honorque Meis” and a crest. The armorial is surrounded by colorful scrolls and floral sprays.
 
The reverse is undecorated.
 
The border of the cup is similarly decorated.
 
The front of the cup bears the same armorial.
 
The base of the cup is undecorated.
 
The service was made for Joaquim Inacio Da Cruz Sobral, a Portuguese nobleman. He made a fortune as a trader in Bahia, Brazil. On his return to Portugal, he became Chief treasurer of the Royal Exchequer and Director of the Lisbon Customs House, among important positions.
 
This service, along with others made for him, is discussed in Nuno de Castro, “Chinese Porcelain at the Time of Empire” at pages 169 – 171. A cup and saucer from this service that is the same as this is illustrated at page 169. 
 
Similarly, this service, along with others made for him, is discussed in A. Varela Santos, “Portugal in Porcelain from China, 500 Years of Trade”, Vol. IV, pp. 1090 – 1121. A cup and saucer from this service that is the same as this is illustrated at page 1097. 
 
This service is also illustrated and discussed in Pedro Diaz, “Heraldica Portugesa Na Porcelana Da Qing”, pp. 192 -205. 
 
A minor enamel imperfection on the front of the saucer and rubbing to gilded edges; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.
 
Please note, I do NOT issue partial refunds. If you believe that my description is not accurate, I will refund your purchase price upon receipt of the item in the same condition as it was sent under the terms of the return policy in this listing.
 
I also do not ship to post office boxes.