Wine cup
Unknown Artist
Medium
Nephrite, white with light greenish tint
Dimensions
H. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); W. 2 1/16 in. (5.3 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong period (1736–95)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.694
Art Historical Context
This delicate wine cup, from nephrite jade with soft white hue and subtle tint, exemplifies the refined of China's Qing dynasty during Qianlong period (173–95). Measuring just 1 1/8 high and 2 1/16 inches wide, its petite scale suggests it was for intimate use, perhaps scholars or elites savoring rice wine contemplative moments. Nephrite revered in Chinese culture asyu" or "pre stone," symbolized purity,, and imperial virtue, jade vessels like this prized. The Qianlong emperor a passionate collector and patron, oversaw golden age for jade carving where artisans transformed raw boulders transl...