RARE LIAO DYNASTY ROCK CRYSTAL CUPS AND VESSELS. Date: Liao Dynasty (907 - 1125 CE)
During the Liao dynasty, objects of rock crystal were remarkably valuable and highly prized. According to several sources, the only Liao rock crystal artifacts recovered to date have been from religious sites and the tombs of high-ranking Liao individuals. Numerous artifacts of this material, including one set of close comparables to the two lidded cups seen here, came from the tomb of the Princess of Chen. On the pair of lidded cups seen here, delicate wire loop-in loop figure eight chains secure lides of gilded-silver, which are adorned with floral patterns on a ring matte ground. In contrast, the cups in the Princess's tomb were fitted with unadorned lids. Other lidded cups have been found decorated with Makara (dragon-fish) or phoenix. The exact meaning of these symbols is debated and might have indicated gender, rank or both.
Tool Marking, Construction and Patination Study by Toetzer, Inc. XRF Analysis have been done.