Lot 237: A RARE SILVER CHINESE STEM CUP, PROBABLY TANG DYNASTY

This silver stem cup features a flared bowl decorated with two tiers of repoussé and chased ogival cartouches. The upper tier depicts various animals in motion, including a leaping boar and a running gazelle, set amidst floral sprigs. The lower tier consists of smaller cartouches containing alternating floral motifs and perching birds. Each scene is set against a background of exceptionally fine, dense stippled punch-work, creating a textured contrast with the polished figures. The vessel is supported by a short stem with a knopped center and a lobed, radiating foot. The interior of the bowl shows the reverse of the petal-shaped exterior design. While no alphanumeric hallmarks are clearly legible, decorative circular punch-marks are present on the stem knop. 

H: 6.5cm 

Weight: 103g