Chinese Stemmed Cups: Ancient vs. Contemporary

A Longquan Celadon Carved ‘Lotus’ Stem Cup from the 14th Century was sold at Sotheby’s

A recent Longquan Celadon Carved ‘Lotus’ Stem Cup from 14th Century China has sold at Sotheby’s for 12,600 HKD ($2171.52 SGD) punching around it’s estimated lot that predicted it to sell between 10,000 to 15,000 HKD.

The stem cup (pictured below), measuring 13.4 cm in diameter and 10.5cm in height, is now property of a Women’s History Collection. 

The condition report noted that the stem bowl was structured in good condition, albeit some visible glaze lines running from the interior rim. - The interior of which has been slightly oversprayed.

A Brief History of the Chinese Stem Cup 

The delicate stem cup form was a new shape derived from the Mongolian taste of the then rulers of China, and became established in the potter's repertoire of later periods. Intended as a wine cup, it originated as wine making developed in China. Chinese Stem Cups were typically used on special occasions and by high profile individuals such as emperors and empresses.  

The foreign Mongol invaders' dominance broke down during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE), and China was once again ruled by ethnic Chinese when the Ming monarchs regained control. As the Ming emperors established formal control over Jindezhen's 'Porcelain City,' porcelain production reached new heights.

The Ming emperors were very discerning, and anything that didn't meet their standards was dismissed. Outside of Jingdezhen, there is a physical mountain of rejected and discarded items. This mound of shards has given archaeologists a field day on many occasions. But that is to say, that the pieces that have remained to this day, were of the highest quality for that time.

Some history about Longquan Celadon

 According to sayings about the history of Chinese porcelain, the porcelain wares created in Zhejiang Province account for half of the history of Chinese porcelain, while the celadon wares produced in Longquan City account for half of the history of Zhejiang porcelain. Longquan celadon is a form of greenish or greyish blue pottery that has charmed collectors for hundreds of years due to its captivating glazing colour and fine craftsmanship.

Ceramics made at the largescale kilns of Longquan, Jincun, and other sites in Zhejiang Province, as well as ceramics made using the similar techniques and styles at other kilns, are referred to as Longquan celadon. The most well-known examples are those from the Song (960–1279), Yuan (1279–1368), and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. In Song and Yuan texts, the ceramics created at Longquan in Chuzhou were referred to as Chu ware (Chuqi) or Chu celadon (qing Chuqi). By the late Ming dynasty, they were referred to as Longquan ceramics (Longquan ciqi) or Longquan celadon (Longquan qingci).

Longquan celadon is a ceramic art type unique to China. The kilns at Longquan remained in operation during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, representing the wonderful 3,000-year history of Chinese celadon. As a result, they are considered as having the longest production duration of any celadon kiln site in the world. The kilns produced ceramics for use in imperial courts, but they also supplied a home market that spanned all of Chinese territory.

Longquan celadon is a global ceramic craft that originated in Chinese kilns. One of the most common types of ceramics exported from dynasty China were these glossy goods. Longquan celadon was the pinnacle of fashionable ceramics from the twelfth through the fifteenth centuries. Ceramics were found in royal courts and common homes throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe, and they became a driving factor in global production trends. Longquan artists used a variety of shapes and decorative components to fulfill the demands of abroad markets. Meanwhile, kilns in Asia, North Africa, England, and other parts of the world tried to replicate Chinese Longquan techniques and styles.

Contemporary Celadon Chinese Stem Cups at Jade Celadon: Royal Stem Cups

At Jade Celadon, we have the contemporary answers to the more ancient variations of Jade Celadon as seen sold as artefacts and antiques on Sotheby's website. In time, these pieces too, will become ancient pieces of heritage ware, possibly owned by a family or ready to be picked up by a doting collector.

In the meantime, enjoy being the first owner of these gorgeous contemporary art pieces, made by ancient methods in the UNESCO-certified kilns of Longquan, China. Our newer alternative to the ancient stem cups, titled 'Royal Stem Cups' is on our website and comes in a pair representing the Emperor and his Empress. Chinese Stemmed Cups are subtle symbols of stature as they were usually used by the likes of the emperor and his empress.These contemporary pieces allow one to feast their eyes on the luxurious decadent glazed layer, which is what gives the celadon products their sheen and also, their naturally-occurring jade-like colour. 

The delicate carvings and designs on the durable stem cups make for an excellent heritage ware to display or use, and to pass down for many generations. They are also excellent gifts for any occasion: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations! 

If you are interested in purchasing our Royal Stem Cups , you may visit this page: https://celadon.sg/products/emperors-stem-cups