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

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.