A Chinese blue and white porcelain cup with a 6-character Kangxi mark and of the period. The cup features an inscription and 1 seal with a depiction of a flowering shrub. Dimensions are: 2 inches tall X 2 1/2 inches in diameter, 5.08 cm X 6.35 cm. All measurements are approximate. Condition: Overall good condition with a miniscule glaze pop to the rim. A reminder that all lots are sold as-is. We have sought to record the changes in the condition of this piece after its initial manufacture as diligently as possible; however, as stated in our terms, condition reports are statements of opinion and not representations or warranties. Oakridge Auction Gallery bears no responsibility for any error or omission. Provenance: From a private Southern California collection. Notes: This small, exceptionally thin-walled porcelain cup was originally part of an imperial set of wine cups depicting the flowers of the year. Each of the twelve cups from the set represents a single month of the year, depicting the flower associated with the period and an accompanying poem. Month cups were sometimes gifted by the emperor in acknowledgement of achievements or recognition of services rendered. Cups from such sets have always been highly prized for their refined artistry, the delicacy of the porcelain, and the harmonious synergy of their poem and decoration.This cup is from a set made by the Kangxi emperor. Its simple blue and white design forms small peach blossoms on thin branches, indicating the month of March. The depiction is accompanied by a calligraphy poem by Tang Dynasty poet Xue Neng extolling the virtues associated with the flower. This delicate imperial treasure was highly prized when it was produced, and that value has only increased with time.十二月花卉紋杯以十二件為一套，按照一年十二個月分別在杯上描繪代表各月的花卉，配以詩句。各杯高度大小均一致。其特色是將繪畫、詩詞、書法、篆印融於一體，詩中有畫，畫中有詩，將詩畫結合在瓷器上，使得日常生活用品的酒盃有了更高的觀賞藝術價值。花神盃上所飾之花卉是根據傳統花朝節的習俗，在百花中選取代表農歷十二月份的月令花卉繪制而成。本件青花杯撇口，似鈴鐺，圈足外底青花雙圈內署「大清康熙年制」雙行六字楷書款。杯胎輕體薄，色彩清新淡雅，釉面細潤潔白。杯壁外寫「風花新社燕,時節舊春濃」 ，青花繪制桃花，三月正是春暖花開好時節，此月之杯更是寓意非凡，一切萬物覆蘇之際，口彩極佳，值得各位藏家收藏保存。The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses a similar example under accession number 65.86.1. Similar examples have been sold by Christie's Hong Kong in its May 28, 2013 sale as lots 1917 and 1911.可參閱大都會博物館館藏，編號65.86.1(fig. 1)。見佳士得香港2013年05月拍賣，編號1911；佳士得香港2013年05月拍賣，編號1917。 High resolution photos can be found here.