Pair of Cups

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng reign mark and period (1723–1735)

Among the Qing emperors, the Yongzheng emperor particularly valued decorative objects and personally oversaw the imperial kilns, setting exacting standards. These thin cups are a testament to his precise tastes. Delicate cobalt blue floral medallions filled with translucent enamels showcase the doucai technique. Different from typical Qing porcelains, these were perhaps influenced by Japanese lacquers imported in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

China

Date

Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng reign mark and period (1723–1735)

Medium

Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels (doucai)

Dimensions

A: h. 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.) diam. 10.2 cm (4 in.) B: h.5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.) diam.10.0 cm (3 15/16 in.)

Origin

China

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Bequest of Henry C. Schwab