Wine Cup
1800 to 1882 (made)
| Place of origin |
This agate wine cup was most probably fashioned in China in the 19th century. Although it has been fashioned from translucent agate that has attractive darker markings, it lacks the delicacy and finesse to have been created for a wealthy or notable person.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Agate, carved and polished using abrasives and abrasive-charged tools. |
| Brief description | Wine cup of pear or persimmon-shaped form, with carved flower handle, agate, probably China, 19th century |
| Physical description | A wine cup of pear or persimmon-shaped form with a carved flower and branches/stems forming the handle which then continue down to form the foot and the external decoration, carved in relief. Fashioned and polished, translucent, light brownish grey agate with dark brown to black areas. There is a short crack extending down from the rim. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Wells Bequest |
| Object history | This wine 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. |
| Summary | This agate wine cup was most probably fashioned in China in the 19th century. Although it has been fashioned from translucent agate that has attractive darker markings, it lacks the delicacy and finesse to have been created for a wealthy or notable person. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1548-1882 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
