Blue and White Kangxi Period 1662-1722 - Other wares

Object 2010912

Stem cup

China

1680-1690

Height 45 mm (1.77 inch), diameter of rim 51 mm (2.01 inch), diameter of footring 21 mm (0.83 inch), weight 27 grams (0.95 ounce (oz.))

Stem cup on a high splayed foot with a broad, flat footring and a recessed base. Wide cup with flaring rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a continuous peony scroll.

There is little doubt that the large numbers of small stem cups and wine cups of this size were used in the East for rice wine, while those that reached Europe may have been used for gin. It is likely however, that much of this supply was used in Batavia itself and only relatively small numbers were selected by the supercargoes for Europe. (Howard 1994, pp.186-187)

The function of stem cups is not yet clear, but they may have been used for drinking genever (Dutch-gin). The shape is derived from a European glass model. (Jörg & Van Campen 1997, p.264)

Condition: A professionally restored re-stuck piece to the rim with a connected hairline and restored spots to the rim.

References:

Howard 1994, pp.186-187, cat. 214.

Jörg & Van Campen 1997, p.264, cat. 305.

Price: € 349 Currency Converter