Late CHONGZHEN to KANGXI c.1640 – 1700. Blanc de Chine Porcelain
A Fine 17th Century Blanc de Chine Porcelain Octagonal Cup with Incised An Hua Decoration of the Eight Horses of Mu Wang.
SOLD
- Condition
- Perfect.
- Size
- 10 cm (4 inches)
- Provenance
- N/A
- Stock number
- 21962
- References
- For a very similar 17th century Blanc de Chine cup see : Blanc de Chine, Porcelain From Dehua, A Catalogue of the Hickley Collection, Singapore (Rose Kerr & John Ayers, Art Media Resources Ltd, 2002) plate 107.
Photos
Information
Libation Cups :
Blanc de Chine cups of this type have been traditionally referred to as `Libation Cups`. This is unlikely to be correct but their shape follows that of rhinoceros horn cups which was made locally, it is interesting baring in mind the important powers that the Chinese attach to this material. By having a Blanc de Chine cup of this form some of the powers of real rhinoceros horn might be conveyed to the drinker.
The Eight Horses of Mu Wang :
Tsao Fu, in ancient Chinese Mythology, was an exceptionally skilled charioteer, who is said to have lived around 950 B.C. The Chinese tell the story of the Emperor Mu Wang, who was determined to visit paradise. He wanted to taste the peaches of immortality there. He found a very brave charioteer named Tsao Fu, who drove eight amazing horses with great skill. Tsao Fu was afraid of nothing—he carried the emperor across the Earth and into the heavens. The emperor finally reached Mount K’uen Lun and tasted the peaches of immortality. His brave charioteer Tsao Fu was carried up to the stars, where both he and his eight horses can be seen among the stars of the constellation Cepheus. The star Zeta Cephei is specifically named after him.