A Chinese blanc de chine cup dating from the 16th to 17th century shaped like a rhino horn with a wooden stand.

Dimensions are: 4 inches tall X 4 1/2 inches wide X 3 1/2 inches deep, 10.16 cm X 11.43 cm X 8.89 cm. All measurements are approximate.

Provenance: From the collection of Mr. Chen in Mclean, VA, who inherited the piece from his father who acquired it in Fujian, China, in 1949. Lots 97 to 99 are from the same collection.

Condition: The cup is in good condition, the stand shows an area of repair.

A reminder that all lots are sold as-is. We have sought to record the changes in the condition of this piece after its initial manufacture as diligently as possible; however, as stated in our terms, condition reports are statements of opinion and not representations or warranties. Oakridge Auction Gallery bears no responsibility for any error or omission.

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The production of Dehua white porcelain began in the Song Dynasty and reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty, where it underwent many innovations, with excellent pieces emerging one after another. Unlike Dehua porcelains made during modern times, Dehua porcelains from Ming dynasty are rare and valuable. "BLANC DE CHINE"; is the French term for Ming Dehua white porcelain, and the French considered it the best among Chinese porcelains. This libation cup has a body shaped like a rhinoceros horn, with its mouth opened like a blooming sunflower. Grooves of mountain decorate the mouth right below its rim. On the tight porcelain body, the flawless glazing shimmers a white color like that of an ivory; The porcelain is translucent, allowing soft light to travel through, like it is made of lard. Along with the simple but exquisite carvings on the body, and the delicately sculpted hardwood Lingzhi stand it rests on, this piece is a classic example of art from the late Ming to the early Qing. Similar pieces can be found in the collections of the British Museum: No. 1980, 0728.429 ; No. 1980, 0728.430.

十六/十七世紀 德化犀角形杯（附原配硬木座）

德化窯白釉瓷始於宋代，至明代達到了全盛巔峰時期，創新不斷，精品層出不窮。德化窯的瓷器在近代尋常可見，但一向以明代德化為貴。「中國白」（BLANC DE CHINE）是法國人對明代德化白瓷的贊譽，他們認為這是「中國瓷器之上品」。本件作品型如犀角，葵口，口沿外壁塑有層層疊疊的山峰。通體盡施白釉，瓷質致密。其釉面白中微泛牙白，潔凈無暇，透光猶如凝脂，溫潤柔和。杯體所雕紋飾簡潔精致，造型生動，原配硬木雕靈芝底座，精致細巧，是典型的明代晚期至清代早期作品。

同類型可參閱大英博物館館藏，編號-1980,0728.429（）及編號-1980,0728.430（）