Stem bowl (2) - Porcelain - Gaozubei

Pair of ceremonial high-footed cups (Gaozubei) with a dragon
China
Styloste to Xuande period model dating (1426-1435)
late production (late Qing dynasty or Republican period, late 19th – early 20th century)
White porcelain, blue cobalt underglaze over decoration
Dimensions: Height: 8.5 cm and 8 cm | Diameter: 8 cm

Pair of footed cups (gaozubei), intended for ritual libation service or wine drinking. Each cup features a flared basin resting on a tall cylindrical foot flaring at the base.

The main register of the basin is animated by a dynamic four-clawed dragon motif pursuing the sacred pearl among stylized clouds and sparks. The dragon’s body is given a careful graphic treatment with a network of squared scales, echoing the Ming imperial ceramic repertoire. The lip is bounded by a double blue line. The hollow foot is encircled by two registers of double horizontal lines. The interior of the basin shows at the bottom a central stylized motif surrounded by a double blue circle.

Inside the hollow foot appears a horizontal six-character mark written in blue underglaze, read from right to left: 大明宣德年制 (Da Ming Xuande Nian Zhi)
"Made under the reign of Xuande of the Great Ming dynasty."

The gaozubei form derives from metal and ceramic pieces of the Yuan dynasty before becoming one of the emblematic shapes of Jingdezhen imperial workshops under Emperor Xuande (1426-1435). While the inscription under the foot pays homage to this period considered the golden age of blue-and-white Chinese porcelain, the body glaze, the fluidity of the glaze and the interpretation of the calligraphic stroke indicate a later interpretation, typical of productions of the late Qing dynasty or the Republican period (early 20th century).

Overall good condition. Small chip at the foot.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal

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