Pair of Cups
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Yongzheng reign mark and period (1723–1735)
Medium
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels (doucai)
Dimensions
A: h. 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.) diam. 10.2 cm (4 in.) B: h.5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.) diam.10.0 cm (3 15/16 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
42566
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The emperors of China’s last dynasty, the Qing, were enamored of exquisitely decorative objects and recruited remarkable craftsmen to serve their court. During his brief reign, the Yongzheng emperor, himself an artist and astute connoisseur, took a personal role in overseeing the imperial kilns. In their elegance and technical sophistication, these extraordinarily thin cups exemplify his exacting standards. Their floral medallions were delicately outlined in pale cobalt blue and, after glazing a...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...