Ming Dynasty Blanc De Chine Porcelain Ornamental Cup

This ornamental cup dates from the Ming Dynasty onwards, and is made of blanc de chine, a type of white porcelain made at the Dehua kilns in Fujian province. From this period, porcelain objects attained a combination of glaze and body traditionally referred to as “ivory white” and “milk white”. Dehua porcelain are marked especially by its feature of having a miniscule amount of iron oxide in it that allows it to be fired to a warm white or pale ivory colour. The form of the ornamental cup is inspired by the shape for the rhinoceros horn and is sometimes referred to as a rhinoceros-horn cup. The rhinoceros-horn cup is often referred to as a “libation” cup which is a misnomer as the word designates to pour out from. In ancient Chinese religion, wine is not poured from a cup, but into one. This misconception could have stemmed from deductions made from the cup’s shape, where it looks as though it was used for pouring purposes. These cups that follow the form of rhinoceros horn are usually ornamental and intended for display. Examining its form, the cup has an oval shape with a widely flared mouth. The edges are uneven to mimic the natural shape of a rhinoceros’ horn, but are otherwise uniform; with the mouth tapering to an oval foot. The cup can be is symbolically separated into two reals—the upper portions represents the sky or heaven, while the lower portion represents the earth or sea, the realm of mortals.