Cup, two handles, with external flowers and animals in relief, agate, probably China, 19th century

A shallow, irregular oval cup fashioned in agate and with a polished finish. It is of one-piece construction, with a handle at either end that has been carved in the form of an animal. The main body of the cup is translucent, pale grey with a three-lobed interior. The exterior is decorated with naively formed flowers with all of the forms in relief having scattered dark brown patterning just sub-surface. There are occasional small, cleverly disguised areas or shallow depressions where the original, unworked surface remain. The foot is short and carved in the form of a flower. There are several cracks visible, many of which probably pre-date the fashioning process.

Wells Bequest

This cup was most probably fashioned in China in the 19th century and it was acquired by Arthur Wells who was a Nottingham solicitor and Clerk of the Peace. He was a keen traveller and was made a Fellow of the Geographical Society. He is considered to be the first private British collector of Chinese jade and his collection of jade and other hardstone objects from South Asia was on exhibition at the South Kensington Museum at the time of his death in 1882. This collection was left to the museum in his will - the Wells Bequest.

This agate cup was most probably fashioned in China in the 19th century. Although it has been fashioned from almost colourless, translucent agate that has attractive dark almost leaf-like inclusions, it lacks the delicacy and finesse to have been created for a wealthy or notable person.

1607-1882