Antique Chinese Nephrite Archaistic Cup with Taotie Handles c. 1900–1910
£600.00
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A Chinese nephrite jade cup dating to the early 20th century, circa 1900-1910. The vessel is modelled in the form of an archaistic ritual cup with a flared rim, rounded body and paired taotie-mask handles inspired by ancient Chinese bronze forms. Decorative rather than ceremonial in character, the piece reflects the refined scholar's taste of the late Qing and early Republic period, when small jade carvings of this type were created for cabinet display and collectors' interiors.
The cup is carved from translucent natural nephrite with olive, honey-yellow and smoky black tones running throughout the stone. When held to the light, the thinner areas reveal impressive translucency and natural internal structure. The dark spots, golden areas and long linear markings are natural mineral inclusions and veins within the nephrite, not cracks or damage.
The underside retains faint uneven circular tool marks associated with traditional hand-finishing. The small perforations within the handles are slightly irregular, supporting hand-tool workmanship. The surface retains a soft hand-polished finish instead of the highly reflective appearance commonly associated with later mass-produced carvings. Historically, vessels of this type originated as ritual wine cups used in ancestral ceremonies in ancient China. Over time, archaistic jade carvings became associated with antiquity, authority, scholarship and refined collector's taste.
Combining fine translucency, natural nephrite patterning and classic archaistic design, the cup would make an attractive addition to a collection of scholar's objects or Asian decorative arts.
Measurements
Height: 5 cm (1.97″)
Width with handles: 8.5 cm (3.35″)
Top diameter: 6.1 cm (2.40″)
Weight: 69 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks or restorations. The linear markings visible within the stone are natural mineral veins and not damage. The stone remains beautifully translucent and displays exceptionally well.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.
Antique Chinese Nephrite Archaistic Cup with Taotie Handles c. 1900–1910
£600.00
The cup is carved from translucent natural nephrite with olive, honey-yellow and smoky black tones running throughout the stone. When held to the light, the thinner areas reveal impressive translucency and natural internal structure. The dark spots, golden areas and long linear markings are natural mineral inclusions and veins within the nephrite, not cracks or damage.
The underside retains faint uneven circular tool marks associated with traditional hand-finishing. The small perforations within the handles are slightly irregular, supporting hand-tool workmanship. The surface retains a soft hand-polished finish instead of the highly reflective appearance commonly associated with later mass-produced carvings. Historically, vessels of this type originated as ritual wine cups used in ancestral ceremonies in ancient China. Over time, archaistic jade carvings became associated with antiquity, authority, scholarship and refined collector's taste.
Combining fine translucency, natural nephrite patterning and classic archaistic design, the cup would make an attractive addition to a collection of scholar's objects or Asian decorative arts.
Measurements
Height: 5 cm (1.97″)
Width with handles: 8.5 cm (3.35″)
Top diameter: 6.1 cm (2.40″)
Weight: 69 g
Condition
Excellent antique condition with no chips, cracks or restorations. The linear markings visible within the stone are natural mineral veins and not damage. The stone remains beautifully translucent and displays exceptionally well.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.