Title
A silver mug
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
China
Material
Dimension
Object size: H: 15,
x W: 16.5,
x D: 8.5 cm
x W: 16.5,
x D: 8.5 cm
Accession No.
2012-00170
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kip Lee
The reeded rim and foot of this mug frame a repoussé landscape of mounted Chinese figures engaged in martial exercises on a hilly landscape with pavilions, trees and shrubbery. It may be a narrative scene from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a popular theme in Chinese art. The Chinese decorative motifs and scroll handle in the form of a scaled dragon are characteristic of late 19th century pieces.Repoussé mugs of this type were frequently awarded as gifts by individuals and social clubs. The embossed medallions and silverware marks are useful dating and maker identifiers, and reflect social and other commercial activities among foreign communities in China.
