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‘Rhinoceros horn’ cup with plum blossoms |
Author: |
Unknown |
Year: |
1650 |
Description: |
Mid 17th century Dehua, Fujian province, China L13.0 x W10.0 x H10.0 cm 2000-03356 NHB Collections Gift of Frank and Pamela Hickley Asian Civilisations Museum This thickly moulded cup imitates the shape of a rhinoceros horn cup. Rhinoceros horn cups were probably associated with fertility. The horn is still used as an aphrodisiac and porcelain would have provided a cheaper substitute for real horn cups, which were produced at the same time during the mid 17th century. The striking similarities between horn and porcelain wares, especially these full-tipped cups, support the theory that horn prototypes were used in the production of piece-moulds for mass production of Dehua cups. <br><br>Dehua, a district in Fujian province, is the production centre for white porcelain, which is known to the Chinese as zhuyoubai (pork-grease white) or xiangyabai (ivory white), and to the Europeans, blanc de chine (white porcelain). As these names suggest, Dehua porcelain has a white body, consisting predominantly of porcelain stone (baidunzi) with minute amounts of clay. |
Location: |
Asia - East Asia |
Subject: |
Culture |
Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
File Size: |
10,9 kb |
Dimensions: |
300x300 px |
High-res: |
To view the high resolution image please register and contact the moderator |
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