CHONGZHEN to Early KANGXI c.1640 – 1680 Blanc de Chine Porcelain

A Late Ming or Early Qing Dynasty Blanc de Chine Wine Cup of Rhinoceros Horn Form, Chongzhen, Shunzhi or Early Kangxi Period c.1640 – 1680. On One Side the Reliefs Depict a Dragon Emerging from Clouds and a Tiger on the Ground Beneath a Flowering Plum (Prunus) Tree. The Other Side with a Crane Flying Above a Spotted Deer with a Further Pine Tree.

SOLD

Condition
Perfect.
Size
Length : 10.3cm (4 1/8 inches)
Provenance
N/A
Stock number
22425

Photos

Information

Blanc de Chine Libation Cups :
Blanc de Chine wine cups of of oval tapering form with integral supports have been traditionally referred to as `Libation Cups`. This is unlikely to be correct, 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 appliqués were many and varied, there arrangement alters from cup to cup giving an infinite variety.