#7804 • 8th Dalai Lama's Cup Gifted to Family of Empress

Part of Jewelry and Artifacts of Royals in Vietnam (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $1,000-$1,000,000 8th Dalai Lama Jamphel Gyatso's Personal Porcelain Tea Cup Gifted to Family of Hoang Hau Duc Tu Cung From French General W/Letter of Provenance - This magnificent specimen is a porcelain cup that was once the personal tea cup of the 8th Dalai Lama, Jamphel Gyatso. According to our seller, this piece has been passed down through generations of the family of Hoang Hau Duc Tu Cung, who was the Empress Dowager Doan Huy, and the mother of Bao Dai. According to the family, this piece was given to the empress from a French General, and has been passed down through the generations of the family ever since. The porcelain tea cup is been elaborately decorated with a lotus motif and continuous foliate details around the perimeter of the piece. The decorations are done in high relief, and are underglazed with green and reddish-brown on a cobalt blue glazed background. The base of the bowl bears an unglazed marking of auspicious characters. This incredible piece truly belongs in a museum, and is a once in a lifetime chance to own a unique piece of both Tibetan and Vietnamese history. The 8th Dalai Lama is remembered for completing the construction of Norbulingka Park and Summer Palace, begun by the 7th Dalai Lama. This amazing piece has been preserved through generations of turmoil and war in Vietnam, and will come with a written letter of provenance from the family. Empress Dowager Doan Huy was the last queen of the Nguyen dynasty, and the mother of Emperor Bao Dai. The Empress Dowager was known for devoting herself to preserving the former capital of Hue after the fall of Nguyen Dynasty, and for sponsoring the restoration of Thai Temple and other war torn mausoleums of Nguyen royals. This is a true modern day treasure. Measurements (approximate): 2.25" diameter x 1.25"H.