Carved jade cup with foot “Dragon”, Western Han dynasty

Beautiful carved jade cup of greenish tonality with ochre spots. It has a flared foot, bulging in the upper cradle, on which the tubular body is arranged, in a “U” shape, widening slightly towards the mouth. 

The body has three decorative bands, the first, in the lower zone, shows a border of large incised lotus petals. Next, and covering much of the surface, there is the characteristic “谷纹” grain pattern that coincides with the center of the interlaced and incised scrolls on the jade. Finally, a thin decorative band is arranged around the mouth, made up of a succession of scrolls and geometric elements. From one of the sides, an elongated dragon emerges almost as a free-standing figure, with strong legs, sinuous body and intimidating expression, with large eyes and open jaws showing its teeth.  

Height: 13.8 cm; Mouth diameter: 5.2 cm; Base: 4.20 cm

Weight: 301 g