Provenance
Vanderven Oriental art, 's Hertogenbosch.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above on 3 November 1994 and accompanied by a copy of their original invoice and valuation report. (see added scans)
Description
Modelled in the form of a lotus leaf, the cup with drinking straw stands on three short feet and is painted in underglaze blue. The hollow, elegantly curved straw serves as the drinking tube. The undulating rim is applied with small lotus buds and curling foliage, further emphasizing the botanical inspiration of the vessel.
The interior is delicately painted with the radiating veins of a lotus leaf, centred by a small crab, while the exterior is decorated with crabs, freshwater prawns and small fish swimming amongst aquatic plants. The lively composition reflects the late Ming appreciation for naturalistic subjects drawn from ponds and marshes, with the lotus, crustaceans and fish forming an auspicious combination associated with abundance, harmony and the changing seasons.
Lot 4
Wanli
Dim: 9,5 x 8,3 x 6 cm
Estimation
€ 3.000,00 – € 6.000,00
Provenance
Vanderven Oriental art, 's Hertogenbosch.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above on 3 November 1994 and accompanied by a copy of their original invoice and valuation report. (see added scans)