PAIR OF CUPS AND SAUCERS FROM THE ROYAL PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY OF MONSEIGNEUR LE DAUPHIN - LILLE 18th CENTURY
- RED CROWNED DOLPHIN STAMP

 
Lille, 18th century. Pair of coffee cups and their saucers, in white porcelain handpainted of colored bouquet, one on each cup and one on each saucer.

Several little flowered twigs complete the decor.
The gilt edging draws the 'dents de loup', (in english, teeth of wolves), due to the fact the pointed motive looks like the teeth of this animal.
The shapes of the cup and saucers are typically those of the Louis XVI period:

Cylindrical shape for the cups, and big tronconic lip for the saucers (plus their absolutly flat well).
The red crowned dolphin stamp is visible under a cup. It is the hallmark of the Lille's manufactory,

placed under the protection of the Dauphin de France, Louis-Joseph, first son of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
The manufactory had for name: Manufacture Royale de Porcelaine, (Royal Porcelain Manufactory).
It was created on january the thirteen, in 1784, in Lille, Place des Carmes.
This set of porcelain dates from the third quarter of 18th century, circa 1785.
Very good condition, with no chips nor cracks. No scratches and no erasures of the painted decor.
Dimensions :
Cups : 2,75 inches (6.8 cm) in height.
Saucers : 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter