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Stem cup with characters for longevity
Stem cup with characters for longevity

Stem cup with characters for longevity

Place of OriginChina
Date1723-1735
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911), Reign of the Yongzheng emperor (1723-1735)
MaterialsPorcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze gold decoration
DimensionsH. 4 1/2 in x Diam. 6 in, H. 11.5 cm x Diam. 15.3 cm
Credit LineGift of Rudolph Schaeffer in memory of Ching-wah Lee
Object numberB85P5
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
On view
Location
  • Gallery Location   Gallery 19
MarkingsUnderglaze blue six-character mark on one line on the white footrim
Text Entries
Along with the two other vases (cat. nos. 628 and 632), this stemcup is an example of the splendid use of burnished gold decoration on a royal blue ground. With different monochrome-colored grounds, the gold on blue creates a mood of royal pomp, a resurrection of a Yuan type. The white interior of this cup contrasts strongly with its ultramarine blue exterior. The peculiar decoration here includes several variations of the character shou ("long life") written in seal script in three rows encircling the cup and two on the stem. This repeated message suggests that this piece may possibly have been made as a birthday gift.