Pair of Gilt Orange Teacups

Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions both practical and decorative. This pair of fine porcelain tea cups has a simple, tapered form, shaped with a very thin body and a narrow footed base. Dated to the Republic period (1912-1949), the cups are decorated with a rich, persimmon-orange glaze accented by gilt brushwork. Round medallions enclose painted Fu characters (福) for luck and good fortune, flanked by flying bats, symbols of happiness.The underside of each tea cupis finished with a stamped maker’s mark.