Lot 76 A Chinese blue and white 'Scholars' stem cup

A Chinese blue and white 'Scholars' stem cup

Chongzhen

未知

€ 2.500 – € 5.000

OH: H. 9,8 cm, Diam. 8,2 cm

未知

The cup is finely potted with a flared rim and deep rounded sides, supported on a tall stem rising from a spreading foot. The exterior is painted in underglaze cobalt blue with two groups of scholars, each comprising two figures seated opposite one another among bamboo and rocks. The tall stem is encircled by geometric patterns, while the foot is decorated with flowers and insects.
The spacious composition, relaxed figures and freely executed cobalt-blue brushwork lend the scene a lively yet contemplative character. The secluded setting of bamboo and rocks, together with the scholars engaged in conversation, reflects the late Ming taste for reclusion and the cultivated pleasures of literati life.
盃撇口，深弧腹，下承高足，足端外撇。外壁以青花繪兩組高士雅集圖，每組兩位文士席地相對而坐，置身於竹石之間。高足環飾幾何紋，足緣間繪花卉與飛蟲。
畫面構圖疏朗，人物神態閒適，青花筆觸率意而富有生氣。竹石幽境與高士清談相映成趣，體現晚明瓷器崇尚隱逸生活及文人雅趣的時代風尚。
Reference:
For a closely comparable example, dated as Tianqi/Chongzhen, see Katherine Butler and Teresa Canepa, 'Leaping the Dragon Gate: The Sir Michael Butler Collection of Seventeenth-century Chinese Porcelain', p. 146, fig. III.1.49.
Provenance:
Rob Michiels Auctions, Bruges, 28 April 2018, lot 347. (sold EUR 5.460,00) (link)
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above. (see added scan)