Peach-shaped jade cup carved in the round

This jade cup was carved from a single piece of green jade with mottled grey markings. The body of the cup was fashioned into the shape of a bisected peach. The inner wall is plain and smooth. The lateral ear, which also serves as the handle, was carved with the motif of a bird among branches and flowers in openwork. The interlacing branches and leaves of the handle strongly contrast with the glossy and plain inner wall of the cup, and the branches and leaves extend as far as the base and the outer wall. The footless base is supported by a floral-and-foliage ornament carved in relief. The feathers of the birds are incised with fine meticulous lines, which together with the exquisite carving techniques, imbue the bird with a good measure of vitality. In Chinese folklore, peach blossoms have always been used as a metaphor for the beauty and youthfulness of maidens, whilst their fruits are a symbol of longevity. People even used peach wood charms to guard against evil. During the Tang and Song dynasties, it was common to make wares in the shape of flowers and fruits, and the decorative motif of flowers and birds was also popular. In subject, form, and technique, this item embodies the characteristics of jade carvings of flowers and birds of the Song dynasty.