A SGRAFFIATO-GROUND FAMILLE-ROSE 'LU DONGBIN' WINE CUP, QING DYNASTY, DAOGUANG PERIODChina, 1821-1850. Of bell shape, rising from a short foot to a flaring rim, painted in bright enamels with Lu Dongbin on his raft to one side, the reverse with a flying crane, a pavilion above celestial clouds and Lu Dongbin’s sword wrapped with a ribbon, all above a neatly incised wave patterned ground.Provenance: From a private collection in North London, United Kingdom, and thence by descent within the same family.Condition: Good condition with minor wear and a few small hairlines to base and rim. Manufacturing flaws including dark spots and a light indentation above the foot.Weight: 70.7 gDimensions: Length 6.4 cmLu Dongbin is a legendary scholar and poet said to have lived during the Tang dynasty. He is widely considered to be one of the earliest masters of neidan, or internal alchemy. In Chinese art, Lu Dongbin is generally depicted dressed as a scholar carrying a sword that dispels evil spirits.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Sotheby’s New York, 29 September 2021, lot 903Price: USD 27,720 or approx.EUR 28,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A sgraffiato-ground famille-rose ‘immortal’ wine cup, Qing dynasty, Daoguang periodExpert remark:pare the related form, sgraffiato decoration, figural motif, and size (6.6 cm). Note the gilt rim and mark to the base.道光時期軋道粉彩呂洞賓圖酒杯中國，1821-1850年。軋道粉彩描繪呂洞賓身佩寶劍，腳踏竹筏於波濤之上，身旁瑞鶴飛舞，祥雲中可見樓閣。