Another fine example of attention to detail by Aynsley, England in this #C557 Green and Gold Filigree Overlay Bone China Teacup and Saucer! Offered here on a scalloped, D-handled teacup, the heavily detailed gold encrusted banding around the rim is enhanced by the intricate gold filigree band below. The 1-inch wide cream-colored border around the saucer and on the inside of the cup is covered with a continuous intricate vine resembling finely detailed tree branches in gold leaf. As the eye moves toward the center, a 3/4 inch band of emerald green is topped with an equally captivating geometric and floral gold filigree band. A multicolor bouquet featuring a large pink rose and a purple-tipped tulip decorates the center of the saucer and the center bottom of the cup. The scalloped rims of both pieces are edged with gold, and a narrow band of gold rings the outside of the teacup. The handle and the foot of the cup are also gilded.
The cup is 2-1/4 inches tall, 2-1/2 at the top of the handle, and 3-7/8 inches in diameter across the top with another inch for the handle. It stands on a 1-3/4 inch diameter foot. The matching saucer is 5-5/8 inches in diameter.
The teacup has the green crown above the Aynsley Scroll, followed by "England." The words "Bone China" flank the crown. The saucer has the Green Crown flanked by “Est. 1775” above the Aynsley Banner, followed by “England Bone China.” Both marks were used by Aynsley circa 1939. The pattern number C557 is handwritten on the saucer.
There is a 1-mm ding on the back edge of the saucer. There is also the beginning of non-discolored crazing on the back of the saucer, but I do not see it on the cup. Other than minor wear on the gold consistent with age and a couple of places where the green is outside of the gold outline on the saucer, there are no other condition issues. The smudge that can be seen in the photo has been removed.
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