A CHINESE TIXI LACQUER STEM CUP

MING DYNASTY

The U-shaped body with a gently flaring neckrim, deeply carved to the exterior with five layers of black and red lacquer, depicting a row of pommel scrolls above ruyi motifs, the knopped stem with stylized leaves, the interior and base lined with beaten silvered copper.

Provenance: formerly in a private European collection.

Cf. H Garner, Chinese and Associated Lacquer from the Garner Collection, no.13, pl.6b; see also E Strange, pl.XLVIII for an example in the Victoria and Albert Museum.