Chicken cup

China

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220

This type of small, bowl-shaped vessel from the imperial kiln of the mid-Ming dynasty has been cherished as the pinnacle of fine Chinese porcelain. The decoration was achieved through a complicated process. First, the design was drawn in cobalt blue on the unfired vessel. After glazing and high-temperature firing, the images were filled in with overglaze enamel pigments and then it was fired at a lower temperature to bring out the vibrant colors. Known as “chicken cups” for their imagery, these vessels convey a core Chinese value: nurturing the young is essential for the continuation of the family line.

Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China

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Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China
Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China
Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China
Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China
Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China
Chicken cup, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware), China

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