A truly elegant piece illustrating the refinement and quality so typical of the Yongzheng period, this lovely eggshell thin tea bowl and saucer are meticulously hand-painted in famille rose enamels with floral cartouches in reserve against a gilded diapered ground. The saucer measuring 4 1/4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 1 1/2″ tall. The diminutive size reflects the luxuriously expensive price of tea at the time-both the porcelain and the beverage it contained were great status symbols. Very good condition, circa 1730.