Cup with plum blossom

In the early sixteenth century, coastal ports recently opened to overseas trade became busy all along the southern coast. This caused a profusion of porcelain productions in areas around the open ports. Known as blanc de chine in the West, white ware formed the major export ware from the Dehua area of Fujian province demanded by Dutch merchants. This shape, decorated with prunus blossoms in relief, was one of the common types of cups with appliquéd ornaments made during the late Ming through the early Qing periods (WW 1984.3 pl. 4; CGK Zenshu 1983 vol. 27: pls. 136, 138).