Carved jade ‘Mythical beast’ cup, Warring States period

Light-coloured carved jade with slight ochre and whitish flecks. It has a circular base supported by an elongated flared foot, bulging at the top, from which hangs a decorative spiral fluted ring or ‘扭繩紋’. The U-shaped tubular body is adorned with a central scene of archaic mythological beasts with elongated sinuous bodies, sturdy legs and large eyes. Framing this scene are three decorative bands adorned with incised and relief details of lotus petal patterns and borders. 

Warring kingdoms period (476 BC - 221 BC) or later

Height: 16 cm; Diameter: 3.5 cm

Weight: 171 g