Lot 3518. An underglaze-blue-ground wine cup, Chongzhen period circa 1643. Estimate USD 1,500 - USD 2,500. Price realised USD 1,250. Photo Christie’s Image Ltd 2015

The deep, U-shaped cup is raised on a high, spreading foot and is covered overall in pale cobalt blue under a transparent glaze. The interior is decorated with a delicate scroll band beneath the rim. 2 ¾ in. (7 cm.) diam.

Provenance: The Property of Captain Michael Hatcher; Christie's Amsterdam, 14 March 1984, lot 252 (part lot).
Collection of Julia and John Curtis.

Literature: ulia B. Curtis, “Transitionware Made Plain: A Wreck in the South China Sea,” Oriental Art, Volume XXXI, No. 2, Summer, 1985, p. 164, fig. 4.

CHRISTIE’S. AN ERA OF INSPIRATION: 17TH-CENTURY CHINESE PORCELAINS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JULIA AND JOHN CURTIS, 16 March 2015,New York, Rockefeller Plaza