Lot 043 A FAMILLE-ROSE ‘FIGURES IN LANDSCAPE’ EXPORT MUG QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

Description

A FAMILLE-ROSE ‘FIGURES IN LANDSCAPE’ EXPORT MUG
QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
清乾隆 粉彩开光人物故事图大马克杯（外销瓷）
MEASUREMENTS
H. 13.4 cm, 5.3 in.
D. 10.4 cm, 4.1 in.
ESTIMATE
CAD 600 — 800
The mug is elegantly potted in a substantial cylindrical form with a slightly flared rim and a sturdy C-shaped handle attached to one side. Crafted from a fine, compact porcelain body, it is enveloped in a lustrous white glaze that exhibits the characteristic subtle bluish tint of high-quality export porcelain. The primary decoration features a large lobed medallion (cartouche) masterfully painted in a vibrant famille-rose palette. Within the panel, figures are depicted in a leisurely traditional narrative scene, their robes rendered in bright enamels against a scenic garden backdrop. The secondary areas are embellished with delicate “Mandarin” style patterns, including iron-red and gold diaper grounds, scrolling foliage, and refined gilded borders that frame the central narrative.
此杯呈直筒形，深腹，口沿微撇，比例端庄。一侧设C形曲柄，造型简洁稳固，极具实用性。胎质坚实细腻，釉面洁白莹润。器身主体采用开光技法，其内以粉彩精绘一幅生动的人物故事图：人物神态悠然，衣着色彩浓艳，笔触细腻。开光周围及口沿、底部边缘巧妙填充了极具乾隆外销风格的红彩及描金几何锦地纹、卷草纹及折枝花卉。细节刻画入微，展现了乾隆盛世外销瓷绘工的极高水准。
This type of “Mandarin” palette mug was a quintessential luxury item commissioned for the European and American markets during the Qianlong reign (1736–1795). While the cylindrical form was adapted from Western drinking vessels (beer mugs or steins), the decorative scheme remained quintessentially Chinese, catering to the 18th-century European fascination with Chinoiserie. The contrast between the meticulously painted figures and the opulent gilded ornamentation made such pieces highly desirable as both functional tablewares and exotic cabinet displays. Standing at 13.4 cm, this mug remains a vibrant testament to the sophisticated global trade and cultural exchange of the mid-to-late 18th century.
此类马克杯是乾隆时期中国外销瓷中极具代表性的器型，主要供欧美市场饮用啤酒或热饮使用。其形制虽然模仿西方器物，但装饰题材却保留了浓厚的东方色彩，深受当时西方贵族与中产阶级的青睐。其画风严谨、色彩明快，尤其是开光内的情景描绘，为研究乾隆时期社会风情与中西贸易史提供了生动的实物参考。此杯尺寸适中，品相良好，是兼具收藏价值与历史温度的艺术佳作。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall very good condition for its age. The famille-rose enamels remain vibrant. Some expected minor rubbing to the gilded rim and handle, consistent with age and use. No significant chips, cracks, or restorations.
• 状况： 整体品相良好。粉彩发色依然鲜艳夺目。口沿描金处及手柄处见时代特征之极轻微磨损，符合其年代与用途。经检测无任何重大崩口、裂纹或修复迹象，保存状况理想。