A silver-gilt Japanese cloisonné enamel cup, Tiffany & Co., New York, dated 1880. Photo Sotheby's

cylindrical form, bands of geometric and fish scale patterns bordering a central band of dense flowers, cranes, and birds, front with an assymetrical reserve depicting an interior scene of a woman reading, raised on three vermiculated feet, engraved with foliate script monogram MJM on base; marked on base "TIFFANY & CO. N.Y."; height 3 5/8 in.; 9.2cm; 6oz 5dwt gross; 196g. Estimation 7,000 — 9,000 USD

Provenance: The initials are probably those of Mary Jane Morgan, wife of railroad and shipping magnate Charles Morgan.

This cup may be that sold in the sale of Mary J. Morgan's property by the American Art Association on March 12, 1886. Under the section of Miscellaneous Small Objects in enamel, silver, bronze, etc., lot 1093 is listed as a "SMALL VASE, cylindrical shape, French cloisonné in imitation of Chinese".

Sotheby's. Important Americana. New York | 24 janv. 2014 - www.sothebys.com