Stem Cup |
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North China; Tang period (618-906), about late 7th - early 8th century |
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Silver with embossing, chasing, engraving, and microscopic traces of gilding |
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H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); D. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm) |
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Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art |
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1979.118 |
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Both the shape and the techniques used to fashion this cup have been traced to the metal work of Iran and Sogdiana (centered in present-day Uzbekistan). On the embossed lobes, flowering vines alternate with birds in a stylized landscape. The stem cup was to remain in constant use in Chinese culture, and ceramic examples were often used in shrines and family altars. |
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