coffee or chocolate cups

Summary

Public: Pair of matching cylindrical coffee or chocolate cups with loop handles, white salt-glazed stoneware, decorated in relief with panels containing scenes with figures and animals. Private: Pair of matching cylindrical coffee or chocolate cups, each with everted rim, curved base on narrow footring, and ribbed strap loop handle with pinched and flattened spur at lower terminal. Body slip-cast with eight vertical relief panels of fantastical creatures and naked figures. Panels comprise, from left to right; crowned double-headed eagle, surmounting leafy spray; two figures either side of table bearing large teapot, kettle on a stove below; coat of arms bearing three stags, surmounting naked figure above two smaller figures; bearded head in profile, surmounting gryphon with dead bird in its mouth, above two seated figures flanking large heart; scene from Aesop's Fables illustrating fox and stork, surmounting figure astride a lion, above a swan; reclining naked figure, surmounting unicorn, above vase of flowers; huntsman with bow and arrow and dog, standing beneath bird in a tree, above fruit bowl(?); coat of arms bearing three quatrefoils, surmounting stag and bird. Handles applied at different places on each cup. Off-white body containing small iron brown specks, burst bubbles in body of one cup.