Victorian Cup Appraisal

Blue and White Transferware Souvenir Handleless Cup

This is a ceramic, handleless cup, possibly a soup or bouillon cup, featuring a distinctive blue and white transferware decoration. The main body of the cup is a creamy white or off-white color. The exterior is adorned with a detailed blue transferware scene, depicting what appears to be a historical or stylized outdoor event. A central figure, possibly a woman, is seated in a cart or early automobile-like vehicle, being pulled by an animal (possibly a horse, though not clearly visible) through a landscape with rolling hills or mountains in the background. The artistic style of the decoration suggests a folk art or commemorative theme. Above and below the main scene, there are decorative borders: the top border consists of a repeating pattern resembling stylized architectural crenellations or teeth, while the bottom border is a continuous line of small, interconnected circles or dots. The inside of the cup is plain creamy white. The cup has a single, C-shaped handle, also in the same creamy white ceramic. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant wear visible from this angle. The transferware pattern is clear and well-defined, indicating a good quality application. The piece likely dates from the late 19th to mid-20th century, a popular period for transferware and commemorative pottery. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard commercial quality for ceramic dinner or serving ware of its era.