Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Plum Blossom Cup.

The cup of gently flared form, finely painted in famille rose enamels with flowering plum branches extending across the exterior and interior, the blossoms rendered in delicate pink tones with subtle shading, set against slender branches and sparse foliage, conveying a sense of early spring vitality. The composition is light and refined, with careful spacing that enhances the naturalistic elegance of the design, while the interior continues the motif in a restrained manner. The base bearing a six-character iron-red mark reading “Tongzhi shier nian zhi” (同治十二年制), corresponding to the twelfth year of the Tongzhi period (1873). The plum blossom, long associated with resilience and renewal, symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity, blooming in the late winter cold and heralding the arrival of spring. This symbolic resonance, combined with the refined palette and precise enamel work, reflects the aesthetic preferences of late Qing porcelain, where elegance, delicacy, and poetic subject matter were highly valued. The smooth glaze and fine potting further contribute to the overall sense of refinement, while the balanced relationship between decoration and form demonstrates a sophisticated approach to surface design.

{Approximate dimensions: H 3 3/8 inches x W 3 1/2 inches (8.6 x 8.9 cm)}

For additional information, please contact the Asian Art Department.