Ming Chenghua Period Doucai Cup With Circular Medallion Bird‑and‑Flower Motifs

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 5.5 cm, Diameter 8 cm. Condition and Provenance: Complete and intact, without cracks or damage. The glaze is well-preserved, exhibiting a natural and rustic patina. An ancient patina is present on the unglazed foot rim. No modern restoration or chemical cleaning has been performed. From the private collection of T.W. in Seattle, Washington, USA. Acquired in 2016, it has been passed down through generations and has always been kept in a temperature- and humidity-controlled warehouse, never appearing in public auctions or museum exhibitions. Description: This is a doucai tea cup made for the imperial court during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty. The rim flares slightly outward, the body has a gentle curve, and the foot rim is low, giving it an elegant shape. The porcelain body is thin. Two fine underglaze blue lines adorn the rim and foot rim. The interior is plain, covered with a milky white glossy glaze. The exterior of the cup is decorated with four circular patterns, depicting scenes of birdsong and fragrant flowers, lush foliage, and rugged bamboo and rocks. The decorative patterns are outlined in underglaze blue and filled with green, red, and yellow glazes. One medallion depicts two lifelike birds facing each other; other surfaces portray lush flowers and bamboo groves. The soft, light cobalt blue and meticulously applied translucent enamel embody the exquisite aesthetics of Chenghua doucai porcelain. The base bears a six-character mark, "Made in the Chenghua Reign of the Great Ming Dynasty," enclosed in a blue square, with the characters in regular script. Medallion-style decoration is a typical motif of Ming dynasty imperial porcelain. The balanced composition symbolizes harmony, prosperity, and good fortune. Similar pieces are extremely rare, representing the exceptional craftsmanship of Ming dynasty doucai porcelain and possessing immense artistic and collectible value.

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