A RARE CHINESE EN-GRISAILLE 'IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA' CUP AND SAUCER

Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

清乾隆 墨彩耶穌會聖依納爵圖紋杯碟

The saucer painted in reserve with the Spanish Catholic priest Ignatius of Loyola against a deep black enamel ground, standing beside a book bearing the title 'Ad maiorem Dei gloriam' below a Jesuit 'IHS' symbol, all enclosed by a gilt-decorated rim decorated with flowers borne from undulating leafy stems, together with a similarly-decorated cup

7.5 - 12.5cm diameter

(2)

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NOTE:

Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), originally from Spain, was one of the founders of the Jesuit order. He initially chose a military career, but after being wounded in war, he decided to dedicate his life to the service of Christ. Missionaries were sent all over the world, including to China. These pieces were most likely made for the either French, Spanish or Portuguese market.

A comparable cup and saucer is in the collection at the Guimet Museum, Paris, no. G1619, and another is at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, no. AK-NM-13562.

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