Heading : Worcester Immortelle Pattern Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer - c1780
Date : 1770-1790
Period : George III
Marks : Worcester open crescent mark to both
Origin : Worcester; England
Colour : Underglaze blue
Pattern : Immortelle pattern (see below) over rib moulding
Condition : Both pieces excellent; no chips, cracks or flakes; the saucer has an insignificant, uneven patch on the foot rim which is no more than a tiny bobble of glaze
Restoration : none
Dimensions : Saucer 2.5cm high x 12.1cm diameter; tea cup 5.0cm high x 8.9cm diameter
Weight : 155 grams

Eric Knowles Comments: A relatively common pattern, derived from a Meissen original and consequently sometimes known as 'The Meissen Onion'. Although the 'proper' name sounds distinctly Oriental, it is actually derived from the common name for the Helichrysum italicum otherwise known as the Italian Strawflower

Reference : Worcester Blue & White Porcelain 1751-1790  (Branyan, French & Sandon 1989) page 299