Lot Essay
The cup is delicately potted with flaring sides, with the exterior painted and enamelled representing the fourth month with flowering peony bushes among rockwork. The reverse has an inscription which may be translated to 'The radiant peony is worthy of the Immortals' dew; its fragrance is carried on breezes from the palatial halls', followed by a seal mark reading Shang, 'Appreciation'. Compare to a 'peony blossom' month cup, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 May 2013, lot 1913.