Two blanc de Chine octagonal beakers Kangxi 1662-1722

Two blanc de Chine octagonal beakers Kangxi 1662-1722, the flared bodies moulded with the Eight Immortals, one in a different pose to each side, one beaker later-enamelled in England with green, red and black highlights to each figure, reserved on a rich ground of white formal flowers on red, the interior rim with a formal lappet design, 6.8cm. (2)

Provenance: the Helen Espir Collection, nos. 927 and 411. The decorated beaker formerly in the Winkworth Collection.

These two beakers provide an interesting before and after comparison of the blank canvas given to decorators and the finished product. Cf. Helen Espir, European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain, p.212, pl.10 for similar examples at the British Museum.