Lot 2. A famille rose pink-ground painted enamel cup and cover, Yongzheng four-character mark in black enamel and of the period (1723-1735); 2 ¾ in. (7 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000 (USD 41,850 - USD 69,750). Price realised GBP 37,500.  © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

The cover is brightly decorated with colourful peaches and gourds on leafy branches, below fu characters enclosed in yellow roundels, all reserved on a pale pink ground and surmounted by a rounded finial. The exterior of the cup is similarly decorated with peaches and gourds, supported on a short ring foot. The base is enamelled with a large peach bearing the four-character reign mark.. 

Provenance: Acquired in Taiwan in the early 2000s.

Note: Gourds symbolise future generations, the character fu represents happiness, and peaches signify longevity; the combination of these images on this cup and cover thus provide the auspicious blessing wan dai fu shou, meaning 'may many generations enjoy happiness and longevity'.

Christie's. Rarity and Refinement: Treasures from a Distinguished East Asian Collection, London, 15 May 2018 - SALE 16837