Description:

The diamond-engraved flower sprays in each panel depict the Flowers of the Four Seasons: prunus, camellia, peony and lotus. Diamond point engraving was fashionable in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. European craftsmen probably introduced the technique to China.

Some experts have suggested that these cups fit the description of some cups on a list of presents sent to the King of Portugal by the Kangxi emperor in 1722 “Eight small cups with flower [pattern], the colour of blue sky after rain.”

Glass, diamond-point engraved
Height: 5.7 cm, diameter: 7.1 cm

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1730-1770, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4551