Tea bowl and saucer with lotus decoration

5th–6th century

Not on view

This elegant set may represent one of the first examples anywhere in the world of a cup and saucer used for drinking tea. It is decorated with carefully carved lotus leaves. Originally symbolic of love in early folk songs, lotuses are associated with purity in Buddhist art.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

南朝梁/陳青瓷蓮花紋帶盤茶盞
Title: Tea bowl and saucer with lotus decoration
Period: Liang (502–557) or Chen (557–589) dynasty
Date: 5th–6th century
Culture: China
Medium: Stoneware with carved decoration under celadon glaze
Dimensions: Cup: H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); Diam. 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm)
Cup-stand: H. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Diam. 5 15/16 in. (15.1 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Bequest of Mr. and Mrs. Myron S. Falk Jr., 2000
Object Number: 2001.361.2a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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