Description
Deep cobalt and generous gilding cover this small Portuguese cup and saucer, while white floral sprays interrupt the richly coloured ground. The rounded cup has a shaped gold rim and ornate handle, and its matching saucer repeats the painted ornament. The set offers a compact, colourful addition to a cabinet of tea and coffee table pieces.
Both pieces are recorded with blue marks reading AY, Aveiro Portugal and Pintado à mão, meaning hand-painted. Those words identify the marked name and Portuguese place, and describe the decoration, but they do not justify substituting Vista Alegre or another better-known factory. Brushwork and lattice details contribute to the individuality of the pair without establishing an exact production year. The source listing describes Excellent condition with no chips or cracks reported. That assessment should be presented as supplied rather than as a claim that photographs can exclude every tiny line, glaze issue or earlier repair. The gold accents, floral shapes and matching marks are the stronger visual evidence for identification and presentation. For more context on the decoration and identification, see the Journal guide to Imari-inspired ceramics.
- Maker: Marked AY, Aveiro Portugal; exact workshop identity not independently established.
- Dimensions: Cup 6 cm high; saucer 8 cm wide, as listed.
- Condition: Listed as Excellent; no chips or cracks reported in the supplied description.
- Features: Hand-painted cobalt flowers, gilt lattice details, scalloped rim and matching AY marks.
- Period: Vintage; specific production date unconfirmed.
- SKU: SKU-00555.
A vibrant pair for collectors of Portuguese ceramics, hand-painted porcelain or cobalt tea ware.