OCTAGONAL CUP, Dehua Ware, white porcelain with relief-carved strange figure design

An octagonal white porcelain cup from the Dehua kilns, dating from the Qing dynasty through the Republic of China period.

This small octagonal cup, its facets bevelled, is encircled on the exterior by a relief-carved figural design. The motif depicts a curious, tail-bearing being resembling a child, whose quietly charming, enigmatic presence enlivens the serene white of Dehua porcelain.

The Dehua kilns, centered in Dehua in Fujian Province, are renowned for their white porcelain and, from the Ming dynasty onward, gained particular distinction for their white wares. This example likewise displays a white, softly toned glaze, a thin, delicately translucent body, and restrained relief carving—the combination of which is especially noteworthy.

The National Museum of Taiwan History houses a Dehua kiln white-porcelain octagonal cup of the same type as this piece, presented as an example dating from the late Qing to the early Republican period. Though small, comparable examples have been identified, and it may be appreciated as a sencha cup or a sake cup, as well as a compact work in white porcelain.

A fitted box lined with washi paper is included. There are firing-related kiln marks, hairline cracks at the rim, abrasion to the interior and around the footring, and iron spots; overall the piece is in a generally stable condition. Please enjoy it with an understanding of its condition consistent with its age.