A standard British teacup and saucer becomes something much more precious when it is executed in miniature.

A series of tiny cupid figures and groups, separated by trellis devices, adorn this dark blue jasper dip miniature. Most of these seem to have been especially designed for the size of these pieces--not simply reduced scale versions of familiar relief sprigs. The three groups on the cup are particularly notable: a putti riding a lion (known to represent the power of love), a putti on dolphin encountering a female bather, and a female figure with an eagle (perhaps Jove in a different guise). The saucer continues the array of miniature classical vignettes.

Seekers currently offers a dark blue jasper dip plate on the same scale as the cup and saucer. (See final photo.) Both pieces represent true miniatures, smaller in scale than the toy pieces that would have been genteel playthings. Miniatures such as these are adult toys--suitable for the curio cabinet.