Chenghua Period Doucai “Three Abundances” Floral and Fruit Decorated Horseshoe Cup with “Da Ming Cheng Hua Nian Zhi” Mark (15th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: Diameter 8.2 cm (3.2 in / 0.27 ft); Height 4.3 cm (1.7 in / 0.14 ft); Ming Dynasty, Chenghua Period (1465–1487, 15th Century)，Condition & Provenance: The cup is preserved in good condition, with a smooth and luminous glaze surface, naturally preserved doucai colors, and minor signs of historical use consistent with age. The six-character Chenghua mark on the base remains clearly visible. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Description: This elegant horseshoe-shaped cup features a gently flared rim, sloping sides, and a shallow foot, creating a refined and graceful profile ideal for tea service. The porcelain body is finely potted and evenly thin, covered with a soft bluish-white glaze that displays a warm and subtle brilliance. Double underglaze blue lines decorate the upper and lower sections of the exterior, creating a balanced decorative framework. The exterior is arranged with four circular medallions containing auspicious floral and fruit motifs, including Buddha’s hand citron, peaches of longevity, pomegranates, and peonies, representing the traditional “Three Abundances” theme symbolizing blessings, longevity, and many descendants. Created using the renowned doucai technique, the design was first outlined in underglaze blue and fired at high temperature, followed by the application of overglaze enamels in iron red, soft green, yellow, and aubergine tones before a second low-temperature firing. The underglaze blue lines are crisp and controlled, while the overglaze colors are harmoniously arranged with elegant layering and refined detail. The interior of the foot bears the six-character “Da Ming Cheng Hua Nian Zhi” mark within a double square border, carefully executed in regular script. With its elegant form, auspicious decoration, and exceptional craftsmanship, this piece represents the distinctive beauty of Chenghua doucai porcelain and serves as both a functional tea vessel and a refined scholarly display object.

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