Chinese Blue White Porcelain Wine Cup Qing Bai Lian Jie Fish Xuande Mark Late 20

DESCRIPTION

Chinese porcelain wine cup decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with the traditional “Qing Bai Lian Jie” four fish motif. The exterior depicts four different fish swimming amongst lotus flowers, aquatic plants and flowing water, while the interior features a single fish medallion. The foot is finished with a geometric border, and the base bears a four-character Xuande reign mark. This is a decorative late 20th century example made in the style of early Ming blue and white porcelain.

COLLECTOR’S NOTE

The four fish motif is a traditional visual rebus expressing the phrase “Qing Bai Lian Jie,” meaning “pure, unblemished, incorruptible and clean.” Each fish represents one character of the phrase through a phonetic pun, making the design a symbol of honesty, integrity and upright conduct. Although inspired by early Chinese porcelain traditions, this example is a modern decorative reproduction bearing an apocryphal Xuande reign mark, a practice commonly found on later Chinese porcelains.

NOTES

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.