China, mid-17^th to early 18^th century. Superbly potted as a half-peach supported on a gnarled branch coiling under the cup and extending up one side, dividing into two stems forming the handle. The exterior is masterfully carved and incised with luxuriant leaves and a blossoming flower. The interior smoothly finished.

Expert’s note: The opaque stoneware depicts a flamboyant ‘burnt Sienna’ hue, which is of exceptional elegance. The clay used for potting was particularly rich in iron oxide, which gave the vessel this distinctive color, primarily red, but with a subtle shade of purple. This is the most iconic hue and gives the pottery its name, Zisha, which means ‘purple sand’.

Inscriptions: To the base, signed ‘Chen Mingyuan’ with a two-character zhuanshu seal.

Provenance: The Gerard Hawthorn Collection of Yixing Stoneware. Bonhams Hong Kong, 28 November 2011, lot 240, sold for HKD 500,000 or approx. EUR 84,000 (converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). An important private collection, acquired from the above, and thence by descent. In 1963, Gerard Hawthorn joined Sydney L. Moss Ltd. He later became an independent art dealer, assisting the world’s leading collectors and museums in acquiring rare Chinese antiques. Additionally, he formed his own collection of Chinese art, especially Yixing stoneware, which before their sale in November 2011 was regarded as one of the world’s greatest and most distinguished collection of Yixing wares by a single owner. Gerard Hawthorn is also the author of the catalog series ‘Oriental Works of Art’, which features fine works of art from China, Japan, and Korea.
Condition: Good condition with only minor old wear, traces of use including some black ink staining to the well, small nicks, and few minor losses.

Weight: 69.9 g
Dimensions: Length 10.4 cm

With a fitted silk box and stand, dating from the later Qing dynasty or Republic period. (2)

Chen Mingyuan was active during the reigns of Kangxi and Yongzheng (mid-17th to early 18th century). He was a highly respected ceramic artist, and is generally regarded as one of the finest of all the Yixing potters, second only to Shi Dabin. He was also noted for his talents as a calligrapher in a style derived from the masters of the Sui and Tang dynasties. Chen was a native of Yixing, his father Chen Ziqi had been a distinguished potter who taught him the traditions of the so-called 'purple sand'. Although within his family he was Chen Yuan, he usually signed his pieces Chen Mingyuan, or used one of his several hao sobriquets. Chen is particularly known for his ingenious use of natural forms, from teapots to various models of fruits and nuts.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related cup in the form of a lotus pad, also bearing the seal of Chen Mingyuan, 8.3 cm long, dated 1645-1799, in the Art Institute of Chicago, accession number 1964.902. A closely related but unsigned Yixing peach-shaped cup is illustrated by Terese Tse Bartholomew, I-Hsing Ware, China Institute, New York, 1977, p. 70, pl. 45. See also a peach-shaped cup illustrated by Paul Moss, Emperor, Scholar, Artisan, Monk, London, 1984, p. 200, pl. 67. The Paul Moss example is impressed with the seal of Chen Ziwei, whom Moss argues is possibly an alternative name for Chen Ziqi, a late Ming to Kangxi potter who was probably Chen Mingyuan's father.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 22 March 2012, lot 1253
Price: USD 386,500 or approx. EUR 492,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A very rare beige Yixing double peach-form water pot, signed Chen Mingyuan
Expert remark: Compare the related subject, also with the signature of Chen Mingyuan. Note the different form and color of the ware. Also note the near-identical size (10.2 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 28 November 2011, lot 267
Price: HKD 375,000 or approx. EUR 63,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: Yixing stoneware ‘lingzhi’ cup, signed Chin Mingxian, Qing dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the related style and form albeit with lingzhi sprouts. Note this cup is signed Chen Mingxian, “an unknown potter whose style and seal face design closely follows Chen Mingyuan“. Note the size (9.8 cm).