Page 94 - Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art II
P. 94
VARIOUS PROPERTIES (mark)
2238
A SET OF THREE IRON-RED-DECORATED BLUE AND WHITE WINE CUPS
QIANLONG FOUR-CHARACTER SEAL MARKS IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)
Each has deep sides decorated on the exterior in underglaze blue with Shoulao seated on a
deer and Xiwangmu seated on a phoenix facing each other amidst clouds on a ground of iron-
red waves, and on the interior with a central medallion of a shou character encircled by the
wufu on a similar wave ground. The rim is gilded.
2º in. (5.7 cm.) diam., box
$6,000-8,000
The Daoist longevity theme represented by the depictions of both Shoulao and Xiwangmu, Queen
Mother of the West, who resides in the Western Paradise where peaches were thought to provide
immortality, suggests that this set of cups may have been intended as a birthday gift. The wish is
reinforced by the inclusion of a shou (long life) medallion on the interior of the cups. The fve bats
(wufu) encircling the shou medallions represent the fve blessings of a rich and full life: longevity,
wealth, health, love of virtue, and a natural death.
清乾隆 礬紅青花祝壽圖酒盃三件 四字篆書款
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