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Details / Information for Cup

Cup

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong reign

(1736–95)
Medium
jade
Measurements
Overall: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift 1952.502
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

In the Qing dynasty, luxury items became more affordable to larger parts of the society, including women, merchants, and literati in nonofficial positions. Imperial patronage and a growing urban population also encouraged consumption of luxury goods and local craftmanship. This cup with open-work interlacing dragons shows the creative mind of the skilled artisan who carved it from a round piece of jade.
A translucent jade cup transitions from milky white to warm amber and dark brown. A smooth, round bowl rests on a small base, surrounded by an intricate openwork of slender, four-legged creatures. These figures crawl along the exterior, their bodies forming various loops and gaps. On the left and right, two larger creatures arch their backs to create handles, their heads and limbs peering over the rim.

Cup

1736–95

China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong reign (1736–95)

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