Republic Period Chinese Porcelain Scholar's Water Coupe Jar Foo Dog Calligraphy

Details

Description

This charming Republic Era (1912–1949) Chinese porcelain vessel features a classic bulbous form with a short neck and wide lip. … Read more This charming Republic Era (1912–1949) Chinese porcelain vessel features a classic bulbous form with a short neck and wide lip. Perfectly proportioned, it likely served on a scholar's desk as a water coupe (shui cheng) for calligraphy or as an elegant tea and spice jar.

The front is beautifully hand-painted with a playful, stylized Foo Dog (Imperial guardian lion)—a traditional symbol of protection, power, and good fortune. The reverse features fine black calligraphy, likely a poetic verse, while the rim is accented with delicate iron-red decorations.

The base retains excellent historical markers, including a worn reign mark, an original foil export stamp, and a partial wax export seal, adding great provenance for collectors of early 20th-century Chinese porcelain. The foot is cut and unglazed.

Provenance: From the estate of Dr. Andres Onate, former Dean of East Asian Studies at the University of Arizona. Dr. Onate served in China for the US State Department in the early 1980s and again in the early 1990s. This item was purchased in Beijing circa 1982.

MEASUREMENTS
3 ¾ in (9.5 cm) diameter x 3 in (7.6 cm) tall. Weighs 7.0 oz.

CONDITION
There is a chip on the lip. There are no other chips. There is wear to the red enamel, particularly on the foo dog's tail. The jar also has customary kiln flaws such as bumps, black spots and a small firing crack on his tail.

A delightful Republic Era Chinese porcelain scholar’s vessel, richly decorated with a protective Foo Dog motif and retaining original export labels, making it a desirable piece for collectors of early 20th-century Chinese ceramics. See less