CHINA, LIAO DYNASTY (AD 907-1125)

This unusual shape is based on silver prototypes, such as the Tang dynasty silver cup of similar shape with similar handle illustrated by Jianshe Yu (ed.) in Essence of Chifeng Historical Relics Series: Important Archaeological Sites for Excavated Gold- and Silverware in Chifeng Region, 2006, p. 33, no. CJ020. Also illustrated are three cups of the same shape, but without a handle, dated Liao dynasty, one silver gilt, p. 60, no. CJ037, one silver, p. 128, no. CJ075, and one parcel-gilt, p. 147, no. CJ095. Also see the Dingyao cup of similar shape with handle, dated Liao dynasty, from Liaoning province, illustrated by Zhang Bai in Complete Collection of Ceramic Art Unearthed in China, vol. 2, Beijing, 2008, no. 105, where the shape is described as Central Asian.