Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
Chinese blanc de chine libation cup, Kangxi (1662-1722), with flared rim, on a moulded foot in the form of twisted branches, with applied boughs of flowering prunus and magnolia
Dimensions:
Diameter: 9cm. (3 1/2in.)
Condition:
Chips to foot, age related wear
Notes:
Traditionally, libation cups were used as communal drinking vessels at important ceremonial occasions. The magnolia decoration and white body of this cup symbolises purity and beauty; magnolias were traditionally grown in Tang Buddhist temples where they flowered every spring. Along with prunus, they represent the start of spring after a long cold winter.
Provenance:
From the Kemnay House Collection, Aberdeenshire. Probably purchased by Arthur Burnett (1878-1948) 8th Laird of Kemnay and his wife Muriel. Arthur Burnett traded in Jute throughout Asia and drove the first car into Tibet, which was delivered to the Dalai Lama.
Guest & Gray 58 Davies StreetLondonW1K 5LP
