Russian tea cup, Gardner ware, 1880 (c)

This tea cup was part of a service reputedly acquired by Major-General (later Field Marshal) Frederick Roberts during the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880).

Glazed earthenware cup, one of two, made by Gardner of Moscow, 1880 (c). White body with blue glaze and painted decoration depicting a floral cartouche, with a flower inside.

To a British Victorian soldier this service probably represented Moscow's influence in, trade with and hunger for Afghanistan. The geographical position of the latter, straddling as it did the passes through the Hindu Kush to India, made British control and influence there, as opposed to Russian, a vital strategic consideration for policy makers.

Francis Gardner, an English banker, founded his porcelain manufacturing company near Moscow in 1766.