Villeroy & Boch Mettlach "Burgenland" bouillon cup and its two saucers.

Villeroy & Boch – Mettlach – Saar Décor: "Burgenland" Mettlach copper print underglaze: the decoration is printed under the glaze, a very durable technique characteristic of the quality productions of Villeroy & Boch in the 20th century. The two-handled cup (a bouillon or consommé cup) features an interior decoration representing a landscape. The fact that the landscape is at the bottom of the cup was a fairly common tradition in the 19th century and early 20th century: when one finished their tea or broth, a decoration gradually appeared at the bottom of the vessel. It was a refined detail that was part of the pleasure of tasting. The handles are also decorated, which shows particular care in the manufacturing. The Burgenland decoration is a classic of Villeroy & Boch, inspired by blue services of the Delft or Staffordshire type.