Chinese Carved Lotus-Form Cup
DateQing Dynasty, 18th century
Object NameCup
Mediumburnt orange agate
ClassificationsApplied Art
DimensionsOverall: Height: 4 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1926 by HM Queen Mary.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS011230
About MeChinese carved burnt orange agate cup in the form of a lotus flower. In Chinese culture the lotus flower symbolises purity.
Hardstone carving is a form of decorative art that has been a part of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years. This is largely due to many of the precious and semi-precious stones used, such as jade, turquoise, malachite, quartz and agate, occurring naturally in certain territories of China.
These different types of stones feature a wide variety of properties that Chinese artists were able to exploit, incorporating the natural coloration and textural qualities of the stones into their designs. This cup is made from quartz, also known as rock crystal, which is found in a number of colours from clear through to amethyst and burnt orange. Here the naturally occurring shading of the quartz has been used for decorative effect.
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 18th - 19th century
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty 18th - 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795
