Stem cup

The stem cup consists of two main parts: a deep bowl portion with an everted edge articulated by regular indentations that coincide with the points of the six repousse petals on the outer surface of the cup, and a small trumpet-shaped base. Engraved onto the outer surfaces of the repousse petals alternating motifs of mounted archers and flying ducks amid oversized lotus plants. Formal flower sprays appear in the triangular areas in the upper portion of the cup. An overall circular punch motif enriches the background of these portions of the cup. Incised floral motifs and a circular punch ground embellish the upper surface of the base.

Historical period(s)
Tang dynasty, 700-750
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
H x Diam: 7.8 x 6.9 cm (3 1/16 x 2 11/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Jerry H. Oslinker
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1981.9
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Vessel
Type

Cup

Keywords
archery, bow, China, flower, lotus, Tang dynasty (618 - 907)
Provenance

Frederick M. Mayer, New York City [1]

From 1974 to 1981
Dr. Jerry H. Oslinker, Covina, CA, purchased at auction, Christies, New York, June 24-25, 1974, lot no. 160 [2]

From 1981
Freer Gallery of Art, given by Dr. Jerry H. Oslinker in 1981

Notes:

[1] According to Curatorial Remark 4 in object record.

[2] See note 1.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Dr. Jerry H. Oslinker
Frederick M. Mayer

Description

The stem cup consists of two main parts: a deep bowl portion with an everted edge articulated by regular indentations that coincide with the points of the six repousse petals on the outer surface of the cup, and a small trumpet-shaped base. Engraved onto the outer surfaces of the repousse petals alternating motifs of mounted archers and flying ducks amid oversized lotus plants. Formal flower sprays appear in the triangular areas in the upper portion of the cup. An overall circular punch motif enriches the background of these portions of the cup. Incised floral motifs and a circular punch ground embellish the upper surface of the base.

Published References
  • Bo Gyllensvard, The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities. T'ang Gold and Silver. no. 29 Stockholm. fig. 45e.
  • Christie's (London). The Frederick M. Mayer Collection of Chinese Art. London, June 24-25, 1974. lot 160.
  • International Exhibition of Chinese Art. Exh. cat. Venice. entry 270.
  • Henry Trubner. The Arts of the T'ang Dynasty. Exh. cat. Los Angeles. cat. 343.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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