Lotus Cup Qing dynasty (1644–1911), mid 17th/18th century

This small, intricately crafted "Lotus Cup" from the mid-17th/18th century Qing dynasty is a testament to the skilled artistry of Chen Mingyuan, a renowned potter from the period. The cup, fashioned in the shape of a lotus leaf, is a beautiful example of Yixing purple clay ware. Its organic form and delicate details, including a spout resembling a lotus stem and the round seed pods serving as wheels, highlight the natural world and its connection to tea ceremony. This cup, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a prime example of the innovative and aesthetically pleasing ceramics that flourished during the Qing dynasty.