A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PETAL-MOLDED COFFEE CUP dated 1742

the bell-shaped body lightly molded and 'carved' with two rows of peony petals outlined in traces of gilding, and painted on one side with the double-headed eagle and Russian Imperial arms beneath a gold-ground banderole inscribed in Cyrillic and dated 1742, the reverse with a bust-length portrait of Empress Elizabeth above and beneath similar banderoles with a further Cyrillic inscriptions, the interior rim with a grisaille trellis diaper border.

The collection of Monsieur Woldemar Wehrlin, Paris, sold, Sotheby's, London, July 7, 1964, lot 9
Leon Grinberg
A la Vielle Russie, New York
Sold, Sotheby Parke Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, May 16, 1974, lot 69
Sold, Christie's, New York, January 25, 2000, lot 33

New York, International Asian Art Fair, 2002

Firing crack on one side of upper join of handle to body.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This cup with the portrait of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (1709-62, r: 1741-62) seems to be the only piece of its type to have appeared at auction in the past four decades, and little is known of the service from which it comes.  The design was taken from a Russian coin of the period, and the Cyrillic inscriptions translate to: "By the Grace of God, Elizabeth, Empress and Autocrat of All the Russias.  Ruble Money 1742."