Small stemcup 1647 - 1703

This Chinese stemcup from the 17th century is a beautiful example of blue and white porcelain, a technique that was popular in China during this period. The cup is decorated with a scene of figures in a landscape, which may depict a scene from Chinese mythology or history. The stemcup, a type of drinking vessel, is characterized by a tall, slender foot and a relatively shallow bowl. This object was likely used for drinking tea or wine, and its delicate size and beautiful design suggest that it may have been intended for use by someone of high social status. The cup’s design features a lattice pattern, common in Chinese porcelain, as well as a floral motif, which is found on the foot. These stemcups were popular in the West, and became a major part of trade between Europe and the East during the 17th and 18th centuries.