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: 5.5 cm, diameter: 7.1 cm

Chinese Description:

八角杯一对 中国，清朝，约1730-1770 这对八角杯各面分别以钻石点刻雕饰成梅花、茶花、牡丹及莲花的四季花卉。钻石点刻法盛行于十七、十八世纪的欧洲，此技法大抵由欧洲工匠引入中国。 玻璃，钻石点刻

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1730-1770, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4550