A pair of laque burgaute stem cups, Qing dynasty,
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The deep rounded sides rising to an everted rim, finely inlaid in mother-of-pearl on black lacquer with a continuous landscape with figures in a garden setting, all above a tall silvered base spreading to a circular foot, the interior silvered metal lining. Height 8 cm. Diameter 8,5 cm.
Damages, repairs.
Provenance
From the Collection of a Swedish Connoisseur of Asian Works of Art. This is part of a collection, a collection that was assembled not only with great care, but also with a deep curiosity and passion for learning - a true academic collection. The collector has been actively buying and studying Chinese porcelain since the early 1970’s.
Exhibitions
The French name commonly used today derives from burgau (sea-ear, referring to the iridescent shell nacre of the abalone traditionally used) and laque (lacquer).
Literature
Stemcups made in the lac burgauté technique are extremely rare, although a related example was included in the exhibition One Man's Taste. Treasures from the Lakeside Pavilion, The Baur Collection, Geneva, 1988, p. 5; and a pair of stemcups was offered at Christie's London, 5/6th July 1984, lot 612. Lacquer stemcups were generally lined with metal, probably silver or silvered copper, as the walls are too thin and delicate for use.