WANLI SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE WITHIN A DOUBLE CIRCLE AND OF THE PERIOD (1573-1619)

Details

A RARE BLUE AND WHITE STEM CUP
WANLI SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE WITHIN A DOUBLE CIRCLE AND OF THE PERIOD (1573-1619)
Based on Xuande period prototypes, the sides painted with two fantastic beasts with elephant heads, long manes and tufted tails in flight amidst clouds above wind-tossed waves rising from the pedestal foot with flat base, the nianhao in the center of the interior below a double blue line border
4 in. (10.2 cm.) diam.

Provenance

Andrew L. and Amanda Adams Love Collection, New York.

Lot Essay

The shape and decoration of this stem cup appear to be based on Xuande prototypes, such as the example in the Percival David Foundation, illustrated by M. Medley, Catalogue of Underglaze Blue and Copper Red Decorated Porcelains, London, 1976, pl. XII, no. B638.

A late sixteenth century example with similar decoration, in the Percival David Foundation, is illustrated by S. Pierson, Designs as Signs: Decoration and Chinese Ceramics, London, 2001, p. 61, no. 57. Another example, with a Wanli mark and of the period, was sold at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 15-16 November 1988, lot 136.

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