Lot 737. A doucai 'floral' stem cup, Qing dynasty, Kangxi-Yongzheng period (1662-1735). Height 3 in., 7.7 cm. Estimate 10,000 — 15,000 USD. Lot sold 10,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of deep rounded sides rising to an everted rim, supported on a tall splayed foot encircled by a raised fillet, the exterior delicately enameled with four stylized lotus blooms in iron red, yellow and aubergine, wreathed by foliage and softy outlined in underglaze blue, a demi-begonia border at the rim and a ruyi border below, each with pearl motifs, the well with a spray of lingzhi in iron red, a single underglaze blue line border encircling the rim inside and out and repeated around the base of the foot, the base with an apocryphal six-character Chenghua mark in underglaze blue, gilt lacquer repairs.

Note: The present pattern is rare amongst early Qing interpretations of Chenghua period stemcups, as most appear to be decorated with a lotus scroll with either a plain or further enameled foot. See a Kangxi period example with a lotus scroll, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 16th November 1988, lot 348. For Yongzheng versions, see one from the collection of Sir John Braithwaite, sold in our London rooms, 27th November 1973, lot 317, and later sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 28th November 1979, lot 262.