Bidspirit auction | 8 Pcs Worc. ”Dragon in

8 Pcs Worc. ”Dragon in Compartment” Cups & Saucers - Worcester, England. Set of ”Dragon in Compartment” pattern porcelain demitasse or coffee cups with saucers, ca. 1815. Unmarked. Five cups and three saucers. The pattern also known as ”Kylin” or ”Bengal Tiger.” Provenance: The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Worcester began producing this design in the 1770s. The name comes from the auspicious mythical creature set in the compartments, the Qilin, depicted uniquely with a large mouth emanating with with gilt fire or vapor. A similar creature more akin to a Foo Dog features in the opposite compartment, depicted standing on a plinth holding an object. In the compartments between these two fierce beasts are still lifes of vases and floral sprays. Surrounded by vibrant red, green, and gilt decoration in the borders. The central motif is a chrysanthemum, a symbol of longevity. Overall the pattern is rife with auspicious symbols and motifs. The pattern draws heavily from Chinese Kangxi examples, showcasing the Western desire for imported goods. This pattern is also an excellent example of the cross-cultural exchange that occurred as a result of the import of porcelain goods, showing how Western eyes interpreted Eastern symbology. This is especially evident in the names given to the pattern, ”Bengal Tiger” or ”Dragon in Compartment, ” showing how these mythical creatures were interpreted into known animals in the Western world. (Teacups, each) height: 2 1/4 in x width: 4 1/4 in x diameter: 3 1/4 in. (Saucers, each) diameter: 6 3/4 in. Condition: To one of the cups, there are two hairline cracks along the rim; each crack extends downward approximately 1 inch. To another cup, there is a lightly toned Y-form hairline crack along the underside. To three cups, there are signs of repair, specifically, to two of the cups, there is a repaired break along the lower portion of the handle, and to another cup, there is a repaired chip or partial break along the rim near the handle. To one cup, there is a small area of gilt along the footrim that appears to have been retouched. To a few of the cups, there are signs of possible restoration, including small, scattered areas of that fluoresce lightly under UV light. There are scattered areas of crazing to the glaze; to one of the cups, there is a small area of toned crazing along the underside of the upper portion of the handle. Fleabite chips along the rims, noticeable upon touch. To a few of the cups, there are fleabite to small-sized chips along the footrims; one cup with moderate chips along the footrim. To one of the saucers, there is a small chip along the rim. To another of the saucers, there is crazing to the glaze, particularly visible along the underside. To the same saucer, there is a small, rounded firing flaw along the surface of the plate. To the third saucers, there is a slight bend along the rim, which appears to be original to the artistic process. To each of the saucers, there are signs of possible restoration, specifically, there are scattered areas along the undersides of the saucers that fluoresce under UV light. Fleabite to small-sized chips along the footrims. To each of the pieces, there is wear to the gilt and glaze, including scattered losses, particularly along the rims. Light scratches and some toned accretions along the undersides.