AN UNUSUAL FAMILLE-VERTE 'MONTH' CUP MARK AND PERIOD OF KANGXI

finely potted with deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to a flared rim, the exterior delicately enamelled with a nandina bush laden with ripe red berries, the reverse inscribed in underglaze blue with a poem reading feng hua xin she yan, shi jie jiu chun nong ('when the blossoms sway in the breeze, the swallow returns; This is the time late in spring when the farmer goes back to his fields'), followed by a seal mark reading shang

Christie's London, 14th December 1987, lot 376.

The cup is in overall good except for a minute shallow flake and some minor fritting to the mouthrim. There are also a couple nicks to the unglazed footrim. There is a glaze gap to the foot. The enamels are generally well preserved.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Month cups inscribed with the same poem are usually painted with peach blossoms instead of peony, nandina and dianthus. Together with the unusual painting style, especially evident in the pierced and craggy rockwork, the different design suggests perhaps an earlier date. For another month cup in this sale, also decorated in the famille-verte palette but of a classic design of the second month, see lot 3703.