Ritual vessel made of jade, silver and precious stones, Tibet, 19th century

A ritual vessel or cup with a lid, crafted from translucent jade in a soft, pale green hue with natural veins and inclusions. The lobed body and bell-shaped lid are adorned with an elaborate silver mount, finely chiselled and embossed with traditional decorative motifs.

The piece is notable for its two free-standing side handles shaped like the heads of antelopes or mountain goats, whose eyes are highlighted with small inlaid gemstones. The rim, shoulder and conical foot are all profusely decorated with rubies and cabochon-cut semi-precious stones set on silver filigree. The top of the lid is crowned with a floral knob that serves as a setting for a spherical jade bead. Tibet, 19th century.

Size: 17.5 x 8.35 x 19 cm Base diameter: 7.3 cm

Weight: 476 g