南宋至元 銀鎏金花鳥紋茶盞及盞托|Conical bowl with flowers and birds (one from a set)
Unknown Artist
13th–14th century
Medium
Silver with chased and punched decoration and gilding
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm); Diam. of rim 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); Diam. of base 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture & Period
China · Southern Song (1127–1279)–Yuan (1271–1368) dynasty
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1997
Accession Number
1997.33.3
Art Historical Context
This exquisite conical tea bowl with saucer, crafted in silver during the Southern Song (7–1279) to Yuan (1271–8) dynasties, the refined luxury of imperial China. Spanning the transition from native Song elegance to Mongol-influenced Yuan rule, metalwork vessels were rare treasures for the elite, reserved for tea ceremonies that were central to scholarly and social life. The bowl's delicate form—standing just 2 inches tall with a 6½-inch rim—reflects the era's preference for understated sophistication, perfect for savoring the frothy matcha-style teas popularized in Song culture. Adorned with...