Lot Essay
Several other cylindrical tripod cups are recorded and are dated from Song to late Ming. The archaistic dragons on the central frieze are related in concept to the cup in the Palace museum, Beijing, illustrated in Guyu Jingsui, no. 98. and dated Ming dynasty. The dragon handle on the Godfrey Handle is unusual, other examples are commonly found with circular or scroll form handles. The dragon handle relates more closely to handles found on plain cups of the period.
An example with more naturalistic dragons spread over the entire body is illustrated in Chinese jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, plate XXXVI.
An example with more naturalistic dragons spread over the entire body is illustrated in Chinese jades in the Avery Brundage Collection, plate XXXVI.