Cup and saucer, second half 18th century (enamelled silver)

Made for Catholicos Ghoukas Karnetsi, Ottoman Turkey. The cup on short foot with slightly flaring rim, two handles in the form of rampant lions, the surface decorated with repoussé medallions with blue, turquoise and green enamel highlights, the roundels composed by paired angels flanking a wreath containing a ceremonial staff and the Armenian monogram of Catholicos Ghoukas, an Armenian-style church tower above, alternated with smaller heart-shaped medallions crowned with crosses, and containing similar motifs, the rim with a band of strapwork, the interior with a raised boss with a lion and cross, the circular saucer with raised rim, similar enamelled repoussé decoration with a lion at the centre surrounded by four heart-shaped medallions and an outer band of strapwork.