Antique Austrian Portrait Demitasse Cups Saucers Higgins Seiter Green Gold

  

Striking antique pair of Higgins & Seiter porcelain portrait cups with matching saucers, made in Austria and dating to the late 19th/early 20th century. Each piece is marked AUSTRIA / HIGGINS & SEITER on the underside.

The set features a beautiful green ground richly embellished with gilt floral and scroll decoration. Each flared cup displays a different female portrait and is finished with an unusually elaborate pierced gilt handle and raised footed base.

One portrait is identified beneath the image as "Montespan, " referring to Madame de Montespan. The companion cup depicts another woman in 18th-century-style dress.

The coordinating saucers are particularly attractive, with delicate scattered gilt motifs and an ornate gilt border. These pieces have been in my family for generations.

They originally belonged to my grandmother and were later passed to my mother, who had them for approximately 30 years. Period: Late 19th / early 20th century. Quantity: 2 cups and 2 matching saucers - 4 pieces total.

Decoration: Female portraits, green ground and extensive gilt detailing. Saucer diameter: Approximately 4.5. One portrait identified as "Montespan". Both cups and both saucers bear the Austria / Higgins & Seiter backstamp.

Beautiful antique display condition with expected age-related wear to the gilding and decoration. IMPORTANT: The handle on the brunette "Montespan" portrait cup has been professionally repaired.

The repair is visible upon close inspection and is clearly photographed. The other portrait cup and both saucers are free from chips and cracks. There is scattered rubbing and loss to the gilding consistent with age, particularly along rims and decorative areas. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition and details. A beautiful and unusual surviving pair of Austrian Higgins & Seiter portrait porcelain, especially appealing displayed together.