Two Chinese white porcelain (blanc de Chine) trick cups. The five-lobed sides are moulded below with veined petals; inside, in the centre, is an applied flower surrounding a hole pierced to the bottom, and partly covered by a small, standing figure. Made as a joke: when filled, the cup dribbles its contents over the unsuspecting holder.

Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume I.