The blue printed decoration of this graceful bell-shape cup reflects the English fascinati...

The blue printed decoration of this graceful bell-shape cup reflects the English fascination with Chinese style floral groups. Large sprays dominate the surface, barely leaving space for a tiny landscape near the foot. In this miniature landscape a crane pauses serenely by a pool of water backed by distant mountains.  

Finishing the decoration, a border of blossoms and vines, revealing glimpses of a supporting structure of gothic tracery, trims out the interior of the flared rim. Wedgwood supports the cup with a simple unadorned low foot.

Custard cups typically appeared at table arranged in groups on pedestal stands. They were...

Custard cups typically appeared at table arranged in groups on pedestal stands. They were used for pouring "custard" (what we might call creme anglaise) over dessert dishes.

Our cup still bears an label from the 1977 Wedgwood International Seminar at the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan, where it was included in the special seminar exhibition. A plate in the pattern, from the Wedgwood Museum collection is illustrated in True Blue: Transfer Printed Earthenware, edited by Gaye Blake Roberts, 1998 (pp. 80 & 125).