Page 434 - The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology: Celebrated Discoveries from the People’s Republic of China

incised lines. The cup sits on three molded feet that
terminate in narrow points, and a handle composed
of a circular ring with a flange is attached to one
side. A wooden disk with three arched jade mounts
and a now-missing center knob forms the vessel's
lid. The jade is translucent and greenish yellow.
The form of the cup, like that of many of the
jade vessels, is closely related to lacquer pieces.
Lidded tubular cups were relatively common in
lacquer and were often mounted in bronze fittings. 2
Since the lacquer repertoire was a major source
of inspiration for jadework, it is likely that the cre-
ation of specific jade vessels was preceded by a
lacquer model, and that such forms were designed
to display the more precious material to maximum
effect. Vessels modeled on lacquer pieces, but made
3
entirely of jade, are also known, an indication that
forms based on lacquerware became a widespread
design convention.

1 Excavated in 1983 (F 18); reported: Guangzhou 1991,1:269-
270, fig. 186.
2 Priich 1997,105 -108.
3 Wenwu jinghua 1997, no. 35.

433 | TOM B OF THE KIN G OF N A N Y U E