The drinking vessel is considered a treasure among the jade wares of the Han Dynasty both as a consummate work of art, and a thought-provoking daily utensil that projects legend into reality.
National Treasure 国宝
Jade Drinking Vessel in Rhinoceros Horn Shape 犀角形玉杯
Jade | Nanyue period (205-24 BC) of the Western Han Dynasty (202-9 BC)｜L: 18.4 cm, Dia.: 5.8-6.7 cm | Excavated in 1983 from the tomb of the King Wen of Nanyue, Museum of the King of Nanyue Collection. 玉印 ｜ 西汉南越国 （公元前205年-24年）｜ 长18.4厘米、口径5.8-6.7厘米｜西汉南越国时期 1983年南越文王墓出土 南越王博物院藏
The Jade Drinking Vessel, excavated from the head compartment of the main coffin chamber, represents a tour de force of Western Han jade craftsmanship. Carved from a single block of translucent pale green nephrite, this 18.4-centimeter vessel tapers elegantly from its 5.8–6.7 cm wide mouth to a narrow base, with astonishingly thin walls measuring a mere 0.2–0.3 cm and weighing 372.7 grams.
Its hollowed interior follows the natural curve of the horn-like form, while the exterior features a masterfully carved kui 夔龙纹 that spirals dynamically around the cup’s body. The kui’s form emerges subtly through low-relief carving at the base, gradually rising into dramatic high-relief near the rim, and culminates in an elegantly bifurcated tail that curls upward with remarkable fluidity.
As the only known surviving angular jade cup from high antiquity, this artefact synthesises every major jade-working technique of its era—including precision line engraving, multi-level relief carving, full-round sculpture, openwork perforation, and meticulous core drilling. The harmonious integration of mythical symbolism, spatial composition, and material virtuosity reflects an unparalleled maturity of artistic vision.
Such extraordinary craftsmanship earned it designation in 2002 as one of the first batch of Chinese cultural relics forbidden to be exhibited abroad and another crown jewel of the museum, a bona-fide National Treasure.
About Chinese National Treasure Series
中華國寶系列 Chinese National Treasure series feature specific artefacts and relics from museums all around the world that are historically significant to be considered a National Treasure. The series covers the 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation from Neolithic periods before the Xia dynasty (c. 2070-1600 BC) to modern day.
0 comments on “National Treasure – Jade Drinking Vessel in Rhinoceros Horn Shape (Early Han)”