CHINESE EXPORT MYTHOLOGICAL TEABOWL & SAUCER
Jupiter & Io, European Market, Early Qianlong, c1740
Painted in grisaille and flesh tones, heightened with gilt, on semi-eggshell porcelain, depicting the legend of Juno’s
dispersal of the clouds with which Jupiter had covered the world, while he seduced the maiden Io beside a river
Condition: Enamels and gilt in excellent condition; the cup with a 1” invisible hairline; gilt
rubbing to the edges; one minor nick to the saucer verso
Saucer: 4.75” diameter
SOLD
# 5555
Jupiter & Io, European Market, Early Qianlong, c1740
Painted in grisaille and flesh tones, heightened with gilt, on semi-eggshell porcelain, depicting the legend of Juno’s
dispersal of the clouds with which Jupiter had covered the world, while he seduced the beautiful nymph Io beside a river
Condition: excellent; the grisaille slightly lighter than the teabowl and saucer; light rubbing to the gilt edge
Saucer: 4.75” diameter
SOLD
# 5556
In the legend of Jupiter and Io, Jupiter spotted Io as a beautiful glint in a stream of water. Upon descending to inspect the glint, he
found it to be the lovely nymph, Io, with whom he immediately fell in love. In order to seduce her without being discovered by Juno,
he covered the world with a blanket or clouds. Juno, upon seeing the clouds, became suspicious, and began to disperse them.
In the teawares, a winged Juno is shown to the right amidst the clouds, as Jupiter begins to seduce Io beside the stream.
With haste, Jupiter then turns Io into a beautiful white cow, which he claims he has never seen. Juno, or course, knows it is
the maiden Io, and requests the cow as a gift for herself. Jupiter must comply. To separate Jupiter and Io, Juno first places her
under guard, and then plagues Io with flies, forcing her to take refuge in the water - including the waters named after her -
the Ionian Sea. Finally, Io swims to Egypt to escape the sting of the flies, at which time Juno finally relents in her revenge,
allowing Io to return to her human form.
We welcome and encourage all inquiries. We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.
For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 683-4668 or email mfcreech@bellsouth.net
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