Lot 025 A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE ‘FLOWERS AND BIRDS’ CUPS LATE QING DYNASTY – REPUBLIC PERIOD

Description

A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE ‘FLOWERS AND BIRDS’ CUPS
LATE QING DYNASTY – REPUBLIC PERIOD
清末民国 粉彩花鸟题诗纹杯（一对）
MEASUREMENTS
D. 8.6 cm, 3.3 in.; H. 6.1 cm, 2.4 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 1,200 — 1,800
(HKD 9,400 — 14,000)
DESCRIPTION
The pair of cups is elegantly potted with deep rounded sides flaring slightly toward the rim, all supported on a short straight foot. The exterior of each cup is exquisitely painted in the famille-rose palette with a continuous scene of two magpies perched amidst a lush garden. The scene is detailed with blossoming peonies in shades of pink and purple, slender bamboo stalks, and craggy garden rocks. The reverse side features a poetic inscription in black enamel, followed by three iron-red seal marks. The base of each cup is inscribed with a six-character apocryphal mark in underglaze blue seal script: Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi.
此对杯敞口，深腹，圈足。通体以粉彩绘花鸟纹，画面中两只喜鹊或飞或栖，于丛林花石间顾盼生情。牡丹花开富贵，色泽娇艳，翠竹挺拔，奇石嶙峋。杯身另一面墨书题诗：“劲节凌云志，依依似君子”，并配有红彩印章。底足内青花书“大清乾隆年制”六字三行篆书寄托款。
CATALOGUE NOTE
The combination of “magpies and peonies” is a classic Chinese motif representing “happiness and wealth” (fugui xiqing), while the bamboo symbolizes the integrity of a scholar (junzi). This pair of cups reflects the enduring appeal of the Qianlong imperial style, which experienced a significant revival during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The workmanship on these cups is particularly refined; the delicate stippling of the birds’ feathers and the subtle tonal gradations of the peony petals demonstrate the high level of skill achieved by private kilns during this transitional period. The inclusion of poetic calligraphy further elevates the pieces, transforming functional vessels into objects of literati appreciation.
“喜鹊牡丹”是中国传统吉祥纹饰，寓意“富贵喜庆”。此对杯画工细腻，喜鹊羽毛纤毫毕现，牡丹花瓣通过洗染工艺呈现出丰富的深浅层次。杯身题诗“劲节凌云志，依依似君子”，以竹喻人，表现了文人雅士对高洁品格的追求。
虽然底款署乾隆年号，但从其胎釉的莹润感与粉彩发色的时代特征来看，此对杯应为清末民国时期景德镇精品窑口所出的仿古之作。此类器物不仅继承了清代盛世的审美意趣，更融合了当时的文人画风格，是晚清至民国瓷器收藏中的佳品。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Both cups are in overall excellent condition with only very minor surface wear and minor production-related pinpricks to the glaze. No chips, cracks, or restorations detected under UV light.
• 整体品相极佳。 仅见极细微表面磨损及少量自然窑针。经紫外线灯检查，无磕碰、裂纹或修补痕迹。