Antique GUANGXU marked painted porcelain ornament #5168

Height: approx. 8.5 cm (3 11⁄32 in)
Width: approx. 11–14 cm (4 21⁄64–5 33⁄64 in)
Weight: 192g
Origin: Jingdezhen, China

The inscription "大清光緒34年安徴大湖付近秋操記念杯" translates to "Great Qing Guangxu 34th Year Anhui Taihu Vicinity Autumn Maneuvers Commemorative Cup." This indicates that the cup was produced in 1908 (the 34th year of Emperor Guangxu's reign) to commemorate military exercises conducted near Taihu in Anhui Province. Such commemorative cups, often referred to as "秋操杯" (Autumn Maneuvers Cups), were crafted to mark significant military events during the late Qing Dynasty.
It features a delicate design of lotus leaves and realistic stems, exemplifying the artistic ingenuity and creativity of that era. The rich pink glaze enhances the natural form, while the intricate detailing of the leaf veins and stems further accentuates its charm. Such naturalistic designs in porcelain hold a special place in Chinese ceramic history, reflecting the aesthetic sensibilities and high level of craftsmanship of the time.