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Stem Cup

About late 7th-early 8th century

North China

Silver with embossing, chasing, engraving, and microscopic traces of gilding

H. 1 7/8 x Diam. 2 1/2 in. (4.8 x 6.4 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 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.