A Silver Cup and Cup-Stand *
Northern Song Dynasty, 10 century A.D.
Diameter of cup: 4 1/2 inches (11.4 cm)
Diameter of cup-stand: 6 1/8 inches (15.8 cm)

The silver cup is of old fashion six-petalled flower shape, beautifully shaped at the rim. The cup-stand is of harmonious matching shape, with a broad flat rim notched to form the six petal lobes, a raised cylindrical central section to support the cup, and a straight footrim. I have always felt an anticipatory moment whenever tea is served on it, as the colors gradually change from light green to golden yellow and then to copper brown as the tea gets stronger and stronger.

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* This item has been sold to a private collector.