Lu Lu (Deer Blessings) Master Cup (主人杯)

The term “主人杯” literally translates to “master cup,” referring to a tea cup intended for the host’s use. In comparison to guest cups, master cups are typically more refined and exquisite. In ancient times, tea drinking was a matter of etiquette, where the choice of cup reflected the host’s personality, taste, interests, and even social status.

This master cup is crafted with meticulous brushwork on a base of iron red glaze, posing a significant test of the craftsman’s skill and patience. “Iron red glaze” is one type of red glaze, belonging to low-temperature glazes. It is mad from iron(II) sulfate by calcination and washing, hence the name “iron red glaze.” The firing method involves applying the glaze to a pre-fired white body and firing it again at around 900°C. While the color of iron red glaze may not be as pure and vibrant as that of copper red glaze, it is stable and easy to fire. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was widely used as a red pigment. The kilns in Jingdezhen often used iron red glaze in combination with various other colors to depict various patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, and flowers, with fine craftsmanship.

The cup features two lively and spirited Formosan sika deer meticulously painted using the famille rose technique, depicting them either  frolicking amidst the woods or serenely resting, capturing attention effortlessly. In Chinese traditional culture, deer are revered as auspicious creatures, often associated with the mounts for those ascending to immortality. Moreover, the homophony between Chinese characters “鹿Lu(deer)” and “禄Lu(blessings)” symbolizes enduring blessings and prosperity. Famille rose originated during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty and reached its peak during the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty. Compared to other colored ceramics, famille rose began to dominate the scene during the Qianlong period, even posing a threat to the supremacy of blue-and-white porcelain, the “emperor” of ceramics.

The rim of the cup is delicately adorned with Benjin (pure gold) gilding, featuring a lightweight and refined gold edge decoration, adding a touch of sophistication. Benjin, also known as gold powder or genuine gold powder, was a new “gold embellishment technique” that emerged during the Qing Kangxi period. It involves grinding gold foil into powder, adding lead oxide, and then producing it in a way to lower the melting point of gold.