A rare Russian porcelain ice cup from the Arabesque Service, Imperial Porcelain Factory, circa 1784.The baluster form cup decorated with gilt & green scrolls above a flowering pink scalloped base, with intertwined handle, the gilt rim with a band of waves & scrolls, with blue Catherine II cypher mark on the underside. Height: 2 1/4 in. (6 cm).
The Arabesque Service derived its name from the arabesques of the classical frescoes discovered during excavations of Pompeii & Herculaneum & which informed ornament & interiors throughout Europe in this period. Ordered by Catherine the Great in 1784, it comprised 973 pieces & is considered as the first great ceremonial service produced by the factory. Created for the 22nd anniversary of Catherine’s coronation, the service was intended to reflect Russia’s success during the Empress’ brilliant reign.