Two Handled Covered Cup

Executed in two sizes, gobelets à lait à deux anses couverts (two-handled covered milk cups) were first recorded in 1752 with the model still in production in the 1780s. This model was made ensuite with a saucer (soucoupe) with deep sloping sides and was probably intended for milk drinks. The cup and saucer were usually sold singly, but sometimes in pairs or with matching other pieces.
This example survives without a saucer and is in the smaller of the two sizes made. It is decorated with a wide band of pink overglaze ground color on the cup and around the edge of the lid. The pink is decorated with a pattern of gilded scallop motifs and decorative swags, vines, and leaves in gold. Carmine enamel enhances and gives depth to these gilded designs. Garlands of polychrome flowers decorate the areas of white glaze. The knop is molded as a group of three flower heads and two small berries. The sides of the handles are decorated with a gilded floral design.
The lid on this cup seems slightly shallower than on other known examples of this shape and the knop is in the form of three flowers rather than one raised flower head, as is common on other, mostly later examples. This could represent an earlier variation of the lid form for this model of cup.