This set of sugar bowls and plates in cut crystal with cameo in relieved china clay “D. Pedro IV” and “D. Maria II” are pieces made by the Real Fábrica da Vista Alegre with the process of Cristallo Ceramic invnted by the Englishman Aplly Pellat, used a lot in this factory between 1837 and 1840.
The Real Fábrica da Vista Alegre is the result of the dream of the typical modern man of 19th century, José Ferreira Pinto Basto, having as objective a factory of porcelain, glass and chemical processes; this illustrated man, protector of the arts, education and charities, occupied a prominent place in the Portuguese society of the 19th century. The license of the factory was granted in 1824 by King João VI and five years later received the title of Real Fábrica da Vista Alegre. Perhaps due to this event, this set bears the cameos of King Pedro IV and his daughter, Queen Maria II.