Chinese Porcelain Cup Famille Rose Gilt Qing Laozi Riding on a Black Buffalo 18C

Rare Chinese Porcelain Cup Famille Rose Gilt Qing Laozi Riding on a Black Buffalo 18C

ITEM DETAILS

Inventory Code: INV5363

Object: Tea Bowl / Cup

Material: Porcelain

Origin: China

Period: Qing Dynasty

Date: 18th Century

Decoration: Famille rose enamels with a traditional Chinese figure, buffalo, willow trees, flowering branches and landscape scenery, with gilt accents

Mark: Pink enamel painted motif to interior, unmarked base

MEASUREMENTS

Diameter: 3.15 in / 8.0 cm

Height: 1.57 in / 4.0 cm

CONDITION

FAIR/RESTORED (2/5) – A restored U-shaped crack measuring approximately 7 cm extends from the upper rim into the body. Visible restoration lines, minor enamel wear, surface marks and glaze imperfections consistent with age. Please review the photos carefully for more details.

DESCRIPTION

An unusual and rare 18th century Chinese porcelain tea bowl dating to the Qing Dynasty, finely decorated in famille rose enamels with a traditional pastoral scene possibly associated with the legendary philosopher Laozi and the black buffalo. The exterior depicts a traditionally dressed figure in blue and pink robes standing beside a dark buffalo, with another animal nearby, surrounded by willow trees, flowering branches, grasses and rocky outcrops. The decoration is delicately painted in soft green, turquoise, blue, pink and brown enamels with fine black outlines and subtle gilt accents. The reverse features an elegant landscape with sweeping willow branches, blossoming trees and birds in flight. The interior is predominantly white glazed, with a gilt-lined rim, pink enamel ornamental motifs and a small painted central motif. The bowl has a gently flared profile resting on a neatly formed circular foot, displaying the delicate proportions and decorative character of 18th century Chinese porcelain.

COLLECTOR’S NOTE

The subject of Laozi riding a black buffalo, traditionally known as Laozi Qi Qing Niu, is an important theme in Chinese art and Daoist symbolism. Laozi, the legendary philosopher associated with the Dao De Jing and the founding of philosophical Daoism, is traditionally portrayed travelling on an ox or buffalo, representing his withdrawal from worldly affairs and his journey towards spiritual wisdom. This subject became established in Chinese painting and decorative arts during the Ming Dynasty and continued into the Qing period, appearing on porcelain and other artistic objects. The decoration on this cup, featuring a traditionally dressed figure beside buffalo within a peaceful landscape, may relate to this historical tradition, although the identification remains uncertain. Its unusual pastoral subject, delicate famille rose painting and 18th century character make it an appealing example for collectors of Qing Dynasty porcelain and Chinese symbolic decoration.

NOTES

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