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Chicken cup

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220
This type of small, bowl-shaped vessel from the imperial kiln of the mid-Ming dynasty has been cherished as the pinnacle of fine Chinese porcelain. The decoration was achieved through a complicated process. First, the design was drawn in cobalt blue on the unfired vessel. After glazing and high-temperature firing, the images were filled in with overglaze enamel pigments and then it was fired at a lower temperature to bring out the vibrant colors. Known as “chicken cups” for their imagery, these vessels convey a core Chinese value: nurturing the young is essential for the continuation of the family line.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明成化　景德鎮窯鬥彩雞缸杯
  • Title: Chicken cup
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); Diam. of rim 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Diam. of foot 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mrs. Richard E. Linburn Gift, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.85
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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