A pair of Meissen porcelain purple-ground cups and saucers, circa 1735

The Mrs Ida Beck Collection, Sotheby’s, London, 28 November 1967, lot 175 (part);

Anonymous sale, Sotheby’s, London, 7 November 1972, lot 14 (part).

The present pair of cups and saucers was first offered at Sotheby’s, London, on 28 November 1967, lot 175, accompanied by much of its original service, which comprised six teabowls and saucers, five cups and saucers, a teapot and cover, a tea canister and cover, a sugar bowl and cover and a waste bowl. The service remained together and was offered again at Sotheby’s in 1972. In subsequent years, individual pieces from the service have re-emerged at auction. Two cups and saucers were sold at Sotheby’s, London, on 15 March 1983 (lot 46), alongside four teabowls and saucers (lots 47-48) as well as the teapot and tea canister (lots 44-45).