A CHINESE HAN-STYLE ARCHAISTIC JADE RHYTON WITH DRAGON AND PHOENIX
A CHINESE HAN-STYLE ARCHAISTIC JADE RHYTON WITH DRAGON AND PHOENIX
Jade
Style of the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD)
A very elaborate and richly decorated work. The spout of this libation cup forms a loop which holds a movable ring. The lower end has a similar shape but forms four volutes, three large and one small. A sculptural chilong (hornless dragon) with a long, bifurcated tail peaks into the mouth of the vessel from the outside. On the other side there is a smaller, stylized phoenix. The sides of the rhyton show several chilong in relief – some of their heads and tails disappearing – as well as another phoenix. These cups are known in China as Jiaobei, or “horn cup”. Light yellow-green jade, very fine translucence.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 13.2 CM
Condition: Good, complete condition
Provenance: Austrian private collection