YONGZHENG SIX-CHARACTER MARKS IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE WITHIN DOUBLE CIRCLES AND OF THE PERIOD (1723-1735)

Alfred E. Hippisley, who played an instrumental role in the development of America's "Open Door" policy in China in the 19th century, began his career in the Imperial Chinese Maritime Customs Service in 1867, and held various posts at Shanghai, Peking and elsewhere, until he resigned in 1910. His collection of porcelains was exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., from 1887-1912. Included in this exhibition were four wine cups (nos. 315-318) which fit the description of the present pair.
A similar cup, also with Yongzheng mark, and a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Grimson, is in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum.