Ritual cups carved from white jade, ‘Phoenix’ design, Han dynasty

Made of jade with a soft greenish-yellowish hue, with large areas of reddish-ochre patina and soft calcification. Each piece has a slender cylindrical body that widens slightly towards the rim, supported by a flared foot. It stands out for its exceptional decoration: the central body is covered with a dense pattern of raised grains, flanked by horizontal bands of incised fretwork. On one side, the figure of a phoenix is masterfully carved in high relief, acting as a decorative handle. These types of ritual cups were objects of the highest status at court, used in official ceremonies and imperial banquets. Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) or later.

Sizes: 14.5 x 6.5 cm (each)

Weight: 472 g, 483 g

Provenance:

· Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.