Jade Cup

During the Wei and Jin Period (220-420), jade carving craft declined in chaos brought about by frequent wars. However, the jade cup unearthed in 1956 in Luoyang City of Henan Province was just like a lightning through the heavy haze. The jade cup was made in the Wei Kingdom of the Three Kingdoms Period.

The jade cup is 13cm in height with a caliber of 5cm and legs of 4cm. Carved out of valuable Hetian Jade, the cup looks white and feels smooth. It is in the shape of a column with a straight cup abdomen. Though without any decorative patterns, the cup looks elegant and has an air of dignity. The cup is now kept by the Luoyang cultural relic team.

In the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), jade wares moved from noble families into ordinary people's homes. Their shapes assumed a more realistic style, although some parts were still very decorative. After the Han Dynasty, jade wares were mainly used as decorations or everyday items. The jade cup reflects this change. Therefore, it has a very important position not only in the annals of Chinese arts and crafts but also in the history of material culture.