The story recounts the historical auction of a Ming Dynasty Chenghua Doucai Rooster Cup at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong in 2014, fetching a record-breaking price of nearly HK$300 million. The buyer, Mr. Liu Yiqian from Shanghai, reportedly used this small cup to drink tea, believing it possessed extraordinary qualities. But why could such a small cup command such a high price? What fascinating story lies behind the Doucai Rooster Cup? Let me narrate it below.
Antique collectors assess the value of collectibles based on four aspects: authenticity, freshness, refinement, and uniqueness. The Chenghua Rooster Cup is regarded as a divine work of art, representing the epitome of excellence.
Firstly, authenticity is paramount. Authentic treasures from their respective eras are highly sought after, as there are many imitations throughout history. For instance, imitations made during the reign of Emperor Kangxi are vastly inferior in value.
Secondly, freshness is crucial. Antique porcelain treasures must look "fresh" because well-preserved items retain their original beauty over centuries, appearing as if they were newly crafted. When visiting museums, many ancient artifacts seem as pristine as newly made items.
Thirdly, refinement is essential. Collectors value quality over quantity. For example, the Ming Dynasty Chenghua period is renowned for Doucai porcelain, including Rooster Cups and Grape Vine Cups, cherished by collectors throughout history.
Lastly, uniqueness is key. "Unique" refers to scarcity and irreplaceability. Exquisite craftsmanship that defies imitation, even in later generations, embodies the concept of uniqueness.
The Ming Dynasty is most famous for its blue-and-white porcelain from the Yongle and Xuande periods, featuring the precious "Soma" blue, resembling the color of gemstones. Chenghua Doucai, on the other hand, represents the epitome of Chinese antique porcelain. Over the centuries, Chinese porcelain has evolved towards whiter bodies, smoother textures, and more vibrant colors. Doucai perfectly embodies these criteria.
What is Doucai? According to the "Notes on Southern Kilns" written during the Yongzheng period, "Dou" means overlapping or piecing together. Doucai involves first outlining the design with underglaze blue, then filling in the colors on the glazed surface. During the Ming Dynasty, there was no overglaze blue; blue patterns were represented by underglaze blue. Doucai was only given its name in the early Qing Dynasty.
The composition of the Rooster Cup features two groups of roosters and hens foraging. One group of roosters stands proud while the other crows, as the hens and chicks peck at a centipede. The imagery is vivid and lively.
Characteristics of the Chenghua Rooster Cup:
1. The body is exceptionally white, delicate, and smooth.
2. The glaze resembles grease or fat.
3. The cup is extremely lightweight and thin.
4. Translucent reddish color can be seen when held up to the light.
5. The red color of the flowers appears matte and dark, known as "cha zi" in Chinese.
6. The bottom bears a double-framed Chenghua reign mark of the Ming Dynasty.
7. Handmade spiral traces are visible to the naked eye.
The Chenghua Rooster Cup is a drinking vessel with a diameter of only 8.3 centimeters, with a flat base and reclining foot for easy handling. The "Rooster Group Foraging" motif is the first time this theme has been depicted on porcelain. Why use roosters as the subject? It is said that the Rooster Cup was intricately designed by Emperor Xuanzong (Zhujian Shen) for Concubine Wan. Concubine Wan had a fondness for seeing roosters foraging, which gave her a sense of a warm and cozy home.
Another interpretation is that "ji," the Chinese word for rooster, sounds like "luck." Thus, roosters symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Additionally, in Chinese culture, the crowing of a rooster signifies awakening and working hard, reflecting the emperor's responsibility towards his people.
For centuries, the Chenghua Emperor and Concubine Wan's Doucai Rooster Cup has been a topic of discussion among collectors, shrouded in mystery and legend. Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll have a better understanding of its significance!
Author
Mr. Robert T Li graduated from the Economics Department of the University of Hong Kong and has served as the Head of Liability Insurance in the Greater China region for an international insurance company. He has a passion for traditional Chinese culture and enjoys collecting art. He is actively involved in promoting awareness of traditional Chinese culture, music, and art among young people. He can be contacted at litaichai@gmail.com.
Uploaded on 2024.4.6