Stemcup

This porcelain stemcup has a domed foot, a high stem and an elongated deep bowl with a partially broken flared rim. River landscapes featuring trees, pavilions, bridges and figures, are painted in four vertical panels in underglaze blue. Used for drinking wine, this cup is unique as it does not have a traditional Chinese shape and was probably modelled after European wine glasses or goblets to suit European taste. This piece was part of a sizable cargo of Chinese export ceramics and porcelain uncovered from a late 17th century shipwreck near Vung Tau, Vietnam. Sunk on the way to Batavia from China, the cargo on this ship would have eventually made it way to the European market where Chinese ceramics were popular and much valued. Although expensive, porcelain became the fashion among the class of new rich merchants and bourgeoisie in Europe.