Two-handled Cup and Saucer (tasse à l'Étrusque)

The form of this cup derives from the ancient Greek and Etruscan kantharos – a deep drinking vessel with two looped handles arising from the base and extending above the rim. Here the delicacy of the silhouette is accentuated by the rich but subtle decoration of pale green and lilac painted with slight purple arabesque patterns highlighted by equally refined gilding that create a rhythmical arrangement of sinuous symmetrical motifs.