Chicken cups are a type of Chinese porcelain cup that originated during the Ming dynasty in the 15th century. They are small bowl-shaped vessels decorated with images of chickens and floral designs. Chicken cups were produced for the imperial court and served as wine cups. Let’s take a closer look at the history symbolism and significance of these ornate cups.
A Brief History of Chicken Cups
Chicken cups were first created during the reign of the Chenghua Emperor from 1465 to 1487. They were produced at the imperial kilns in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China. Jingdezhen had been established as a production site for imperial porcelain since 1392.
The chicken cup was likely commissioned by the Chenghua Emperor as a tribute for his mother, the Empress Dowager Wang. She was said to appreciate small objects and simple designs. Chicken cups continued to be popular through the Ming dynasty and were also replicated during the later Qing dynasty.
Only about 13 authentic Chenghua chicken cups are known to exist today. They are incredibly rare and valued. In 2014, one chicken cup sold at auction for $36 million, setting a new record for Chinese porcelain.
The Significance and Symbolism of Chicken Cup Decorations
The chicken cups get their name from the chickens depicted on them. The exterior scene typically shows a rooster and hen caring for a chick. This represents the Confucian values of nurturing the young and continuing the familial line. The rooster also symbolized courage, strength, and reliability.
The interior scene often shows floral designs with peonies, lilies, and garden rocks. Peonies signify honor and wealth, while the lilies and rocks represent longevity. Each carefully chosen element carried important meaning.
The cups were painted using the doucai technique, which means “competing colors.” Soft blue outlines contrasted with bright overglazed enamels in green, yellow, red, and purple. The elegant motifs reflect the refined imperial aesthetics of the period.
The Craftsmanship Behind Chicken Cups
Producing chicken cups required multiple complex steps First, the design was outlined on the bare cup in cobalt blue. The cup was then glazed and fired at a high kiln temperature up to 1400°C to harden the porcelain body.
The colorful overglaze enamels were applied and the cup went through a second lower temperature firing to fix the enamel while preserving its vibrancy. The renowned chicken cup in the Metropolitan Museum of Art also has a faint six-character Chenghua mark on its base in underglaze blue.
Chicken cups display incredible artistry and technical mastery. From the graceful chicken scenes to the flawless porcelain, they demonstrate the accomplishments of imperial Chinese ceramic production.
Chicken Cups Today: Collectibles and Cultural Icons
Authentic Chenghua chicken cups are among the most coveted and expensive Chinese artworks today. In addition to the record $36 million cup, others have sold for millions at Sotheby’s auctions in Hong Kong. Their rarity and imperial status make them highly prized.
Chicken cups have become cultural icons and symbols of Chinese artistry. Many museums now exhibit chicken cups, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, and the National Palace Museum in Taipei. The cups demonstrate the technical achievements of Jingdezhen kilns as well as the rich symbolism of Ming dynasty art.
Modern Adaptations and Replicas
Chicken cups have inspired modern reproductions and creative re-interpretations. Ceramicists today make adaptations with painted or sculptural chickens. Contemporary artists like Ah Leon reference chicken cups in their works, integrating them into new contexts.
Restaurants and cafes also offer modern chicken cup replicas as teacups and mugs. They allow customers to engage with history through this iconic cup design. Some replica cups even adopt the form into new purposes like baking individual chicken pot pies or egg bites.
While these contemporary versions lack the imperial pedigree, they speak to the lasting appeal of chicken cups centuries later. The distinctive cups continue to enchant with their charming chickens and masterful craftsmanship.
Chicken Cups: Treasured Ming Porcelain
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Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 220
This type of small, bowl-shaped vessel from the imperial kiln of the mid-Ming dynasty has been cherished as the pinnacle of fine Chinese porcelain. The decoration was achieved through a complicated process. First, the design was drawn in cobalt blue on the unfired vessel. After glazing and high-temperature firing, the s were filled in with overglaze enamel pigments and then it was fired at a lower temperature to bring out the vibrant colors. Known as “chicken cups” for their ry, these vessels convey a core Chinese value: nurturing the young is essential for the continuation of the family line.
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Title: Chicken cup
Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Chenghua mark and period (1465–87)
Culture: China
Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze colored enamel (Jingdezhen ware)
Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); Diam. of rim 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Diam. of foot 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Purchase, Mrs. Richard E. Linburn Gift, 1987
Object Number: 1987.85
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FAQ
Why is the chicken cup so expensive?
The intervention of collecting over time leading to the cup’s status of singularity has enabled the Chicken Cup to become a scarce commodity. The cup is one of nineteen which continues to exist, and is the only to remain in a private Chinese collection.
Why is it called 3 cup chicken?
Three Cup Chicken, or San Bei Ji, gets its name from the traditional recipe calling for one cup each of soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. These three ingredients form the base of the flavorful sauce that braises the chicken.
How much is the chicken cup worth?
A Chinese Ming dynasty ‘chicken cup’ – one of just 17 known examples in the world – fetched $36 million at Sotheby’s yesterday, making it the most expensive piece of Chinese porcelain ever to be sold at auction.
What are the three ingredients in Chinese chicken?
Three Cup Chicken, or “San Bei Ji” (三杯鸡) is a popular standard dish in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. The name refers to the recipe used to make it: A cup each of the three ingredients that create the sauce: rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil.