The design and decoration of the cups and saucers is a combination of different Chinese styles. The shape of the pieces and the use of parcel gilding imitates examples from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). The decoration however is in the 18th century style with the 'shou' symbol in the centre of the cups and saucers denoting longevity and the 'auspicious animal' motif of the bat in the engraved border, which is often used in conjunction with the 'shou' symbol.