Doucai Cup with Traditional Enamel Decoration.

Ming Dynasty - Chenghua

(1465 - 1487)
Six-character mark and period.

8.2 centimeters diameter   ~   3.4 centimeters height

Weight 1.6 oz. Avoir (45.4 grams) - Fine condition
Finely decorated on the exterior with two groups of cockerels parading in front of hens among chicks pecking at the ground. Decoration in colorful enamels within delicate cobalt blue outline. The two separate scenes are divided by finely shaded blue rock groupings among bamboo, peonies, and narcissus. The reign mark inscribed in cobalt blue within a double square.

Most (if not all) Qing copies show the cockerels in different facing positions, with many ruffled tail feathers versus the traditional 'three tail feathers' on all known authenticated Chenghua chicken cups. On April 27th, 1999, a Chenghua chicken cup set a record for the highest price paid at auction for any Chinese work of art. Click here to view that article. This record has since been surpassed. To date, there are only three known authentic Chenghua chicken cups in private hands.

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