This sugar bowl with its matching saucer and spoon, was part of the tea, coffee and hot chocolate service ordered in 1775 by Prince Peter (1717-1786), younger brother of King José I. He used the service at Queluz, his summer residence near Lisbon.
The shape of this piece of porcelain is typical of those produced in China for European clients. In 1807, after the French invasions of Portugal, this set accompanied the Royal family in their exile in Brazil. Today, the Queluz set still includes 123 items.