Small white two-handled bowl

Abstract

This two handled ornate cup of pure white jade takes the form of an archaistic vessel based upon an ancient bronze. It is thin, translucent, and very elegant. Although the cup itself is undecorated, the two handles are sophisticatedly designed with a refined version of the fierce animal masks, the T'ao T'ieh*, which dominated in the art of the previous dynasties. This motif had already existed during the Song jade vessels and prevailed during the Qing. The two dragon-like heads latch themselves up to the rim of the cup. In the case of this vessel, the T'ao T'ieh motif faces toward the cup, whereas in most jade vessels of the same period it usually faces outward. Since the T'ao T'ieh design on the handles has the Hu or Tiger motif, the cup appears to have been dedicated to the Spiritual Influences for the benefit of the living. It may have also been used in supplication to the Deified Heroes of ancient times, to the Gods of medicine and wealth or on funeral ritualistic objects