Ming Wanli Blue‑and‑White Jue Cup with Dragon‑and‑Wave Motifs and Matching Tray, Wanli Period, Ming Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions：H.0.689 ft.（H.21 cm.） Condition & Provenance：The jue cup and tray are preserved as a complete set,free of cracks or concealed hairlines.Tray,cup body,three feet and stem knob show only minor age‑related handling wear,no chips or nicks.Glaze carries natural aged patina;iron rust specks and subtle cobalt bleeding appear in darker blue areas,minor old soil specks scattered across glaze surface,no large‑scale glaze loss or enamel peeling.Unglazed base of tray shows dry body clay with authentic soil encrustation,sand pits and rust‑red firing discoloration,original wheel‑cut marks are distinct.No restoration,no glaze filling and no later‑applied over‑glaze pigment.This piece originates from private collection of Mr.J·P,Chicago,Illinois,USA.Acquired at Chicago International Asian Antique Fair in 1989,passed down within two‑generation family,housed in climate‑controlled insured private storage.Never offered for public auction,no public exhibition history and has never been loaned to any museum institution. Description：This blue‑and‑white jue cup with matching tray is a fine Ming Wanli ritual porcelain modelled after ancient bronze jue forms.It features flared mouth rim,symmetric stem knobs,deep body and three slender supporting feet.The accompanying tray is shallow with raised central cup seat.Interior of tray,cup seat,cup exterior and tray exterior are fully decorated.The jue cup is painted with under‑glaze blue sea waves and soaring dragon motifs,the dragon coils powerfully with finely rendered scales,claws and tail,surrounded by turbulent waters and swirling clouds.Tray interior repeats the same dragon‑and‑wave theme,while tray rim is bordered by scrolling foliage and outer wall accented with floral sprigs.Cobalt blue appears rich,bright and slightly purplish,brushwork shows layered detail,dense yet well‑organized,reflecting the ornate decorative taste of Wanli porcelain.The glaze is lustrous and thick,the body is solid and heavy,unglazed tray base shows natural sand marks,soil staining and firing discoloration with archaic trimming workmanship.Combining ancient ritual vessel form with powerful dragon imagery,this complete set represents a high‑grade Ming Wanli blue‑and‑white ritual ware.

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