Stem Cup
Tang dynasty (618–907), 9th century
Medium
Silver with parcel gilt decoration
Dimensions
4.8 × 7.8 cm (3 1/8 × 1 15/16 in.); Diam.: 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
53544
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The form of this wine cup was inspired by goblets made in the Sasanian and Sogdian empires, but originally derived from Hellenistic styles of the Mediterranean world. Its low, spreading foot gently flares into faceted petals suggesting a lotus flower. Since the introduction of Buddhism to China, the lotus—which emerges unstained from muddy water and therefore carries associations of purity and non-attachment to worldly concerns—had become a pervasive motif in secular as well as religious art. Tw...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...