Lot 3610
  • 3610

A RARE WUCAI 'FISH' CUP MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI |

Estimate
600,000 - 800,000 HKD
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Description

  • 10.5 cm, 4 1/8  in.
the low rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot to a gently flaring rim, decorated to the exterior with blue fish swimming amidst waterweeds and aquatic plants rendered in red, yellow and green enamels, the interior painted in cobalt blue with a central dragon medallion encircled by five stylised cloud scrolls, inscribed to the base with a six-character reign mark within a double circle

Condition

The cup is in overall good condition, with only expected minor surface scratches and rubbing, especially along the rim and interior.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This cup is remarkable for its lively depiction of four fish rendered in a range of flowing brushstrokes and loose washes to evoke an aquatic scene. A sense of movement is captured through the different poses of the fish and the swaying of the aquatic plants that appear as if bending with the flow of the currents. Cups painted with this design are unusual; compare a Wanli mark and period bowl with fish in waterweeds, but the fish painted in iron red, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 54. Compare also a similar cup sold at Osaka Bijutsu Club, Osaka, 3rd/4th June 1931, lot 293, from the Toseikan collection.