Water coupe 18th century

This 18th-century Chinese porcelain water coupe, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is decorated in underglaze blue with a scene of a pavilion and figures in a mountainous landscape. The delicate brushstrokes and detailed depiction of the scene highlight the skill of the unknown artist. This piece showcases the artistic excellence of Chinese porcelain production during the Qing dynasty, and its small size, ideal for serving water, suggests its use in a domestic setting. This object is a fine example of blue and white porcelain, a widely popular style during the 18th century that used cobalt pigment to create decorative designs.