A small famille rose cup. Yongzheng-Early Qianlong period, circa 1730-1740
A small famille rose cup. Yongzheng-Early Qianlong period, circa 1730-1740. photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012
The cup is finely enamelled to one side of the exterior depicting the walls of a courtyard with two dogs playing in the foreground. The reverse side is delicately decorated with an interior view with three seated ladies at leisure playing chess. The centre of the interior has a floral spray in gilt with a gilt foliate band to the mouth rim. The base has a black enamel four-character seal mark in zhuanshu script within a square, reading ruyi xuanzhi which may be translated as, 'Made in the Hall of Auspicious Wishes'. 2¾ in. (7 cm.) diam. Lot 326. Estimate £50,000 - £80,000
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art 15 May 2012. London, King Street