{"product_id":"chinese-export-porcelain-teacup-and-saucer","title":"Chinese Export Porcelain Teacup and Saucer","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"183\"\u003eChinese Export Porcelain Teacup and Saucer\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"184\" data-end=\"228\"\u003eQing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736–1795)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"302\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"302\"\u003ePorcelain with underglaze blue decoration and aubergine-purple glaze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eCup: Height 2 in. (5.1 cm); Diameter 3 1\/4 in. (8.3 cm)\u003cbr data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"362\"\u003eSaucer: Diameter 5 in. (12.7 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"399\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"415\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"417\" data-end=\"825\"\u003eThis elegant teacup and saucer represents a refined example of Chinese export porcelain produced during the Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty. Manufactured in the imperial porcelain center of Jingdezhen, the set reflects the flourishing international trade between China and Europe in the eighteenth century, when large quantities of porcelain were produced specifically for the Western market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"1155\"\u003eThe exterior surfaces of both cup and saucer are covered in a rich \u003cstrong data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"920\"\u003eaubergine-purple glaze\u003c\/strong\u003e, sometimes referred to as \u003cem data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"972\"\u003eziji or aubergine glaze\u003c\/em\u003e, a copper-based high-fired glaze admired for its deep, lustrous tone and velvety texture. The warm purplish-brown exterior contrasts strikingly with the delicately painted interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1489\"\u003eThe interior of the cup is decorated in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1216\"\u003eunderglaze blue\u003c\/strong\u003e with naturalistic floral sprays, rendered with fluid brushwork and subtle cobalt shading. The saucer features a larger floral composition with blossoming branches and small birds, arranged in a balanced yet lively composition typical of Qing dynasty decorative aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1736\"\u003eA narrow geometric border runs along the inner rim of both cup and saucer, providing visual structure and framing the central motif. The cobalt blue displays a soft diffusion characteristic of traditional Jingdezhen underglaze cobalt decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"2052\"\u003eThe porcelain body is thinly potted yet sturdy, with finely finished foot rims revealing the smooth white porcelain body beneath the glaze. The careful balance of form, color, and decoration demonstrates the high technical standard achieved by Jingdezhen kilns during the height of the Qing export porcelain trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2057\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2080\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2082\" data-end=\"2417\"\u003eDuring the eighteenth century, European demand for Chinese porcelain increased dramatically as tea consumption became a central part of social life across Britain and continental Europe. Chinese kilns, particularly those in Jingdezhen, responded by producing specialized tea wares designed for export through the Canton trading system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2419\" data-end=\"2803\"\u003eTeacup and saucer sets such as this were especially popular among European consumers, as the saucer accommodated Western tea-drinking customs that differed from traditional Chinese tea practices. The combination of monochrome exterior glaze with interior blue-and-white decoration was both aesthetically appealing and practical, as underglaze blue surfaces resisted staining from tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2805\" data-end=\"2967\"\u003eThis form therefore represents an important material witness to the global tea trade and the cultural exchange between China and Europe in the eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2969\" data-end=\"2972\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3011\"\u003eArtistic and Cultural Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3013\" data-end=\"3276\"\u003eExport porcelain of this type illustrates the remarkable adaptability of Chinese ceramic production to international markets. While rooted in traditional Chinese ceramic techniques, the forms and decorative arrangements were often adjusted to suit Western tastes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3502\"\u003eThe restrained elegance of the aubergine glaze exterior combined with delicate blue-and-white interior decoration reflects a sophisticated balance between Chinese artistic tradition and European demand for refined tableware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3504\" data-end=\"3664\"\u003eToday, comparable examples are preserved in major museum collections worldwide, including decorative arts and Asian art collections in Europe and North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3669\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3671\" data-end=\"3683\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3685\" data-end=\"3955\"\u003eThe cup and saucer remain as a matching set. The glaze surfaces appear well preserved, with the underglaze blue decoration retaining clarity and vibrancy. Overall condition is consistent with careful preservation of an eighteenth-century porcelain tea service component.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"US 3D CN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44067776692359,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/7095\/6167\/files\/20260306224008_393_93.jpg?v=1772859994","url":"https:\/\/us3dcn.com\/products\/chinese-export-porcelain-teacup-and-saucer","provider":"US 3D CN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}