Chinese Solid Silver and Crystal Cup, 19th Century. Well Preserved

Elegant and nice artisanal Chinese cup, made of solid silver and glass in the 19th century. This delicate piece is a very special article because of its ancient age, beautiful making and balanced shape. The cups base is made of solid silver and has been carefully shaped like a detailed imperial dragon that has five fingers in each claw. This detail symbolizes good fortune in Chinese tradition and provides the item with even more interest. The dragon has its head up and its neck is curved so it can be used as a handle. The silver is carefully engraved: the dragons body is decorated with a tiny net of scales and other details such as the star-engraved mouth, the fins and the fingers of claws and feet.The dragon has its jaws open and its tongue out, and the lovely turquoise enamel that embellishes its eyes provides it with a high expressiveness and a nice touch. This silver dragon is, as stated before, the base that supports the glass; it we turn this base upside down, in one of the three silver spokes the glass stands on there is a square engraved mark. The silver base is in excellent condition, as beautiful and elegant as when it was originally manufactured.On the other hand, the glass designed to contain the drinks is antique and has been made in an artisanal way. Its fragility has not prevented it to survive to our days in great condition. The glass boasts a nice decoration in the shape of several parallel lines; there are two groups of three straight lines, one at the top and other at the bottom, that frame a series of curved parallel lines that cross each other. It is a very stylish pattern that makes a nice contrast with the baroque strength of the dragon-shaped base.This wonderful antique cup is a charming item, perfect to enjoy the best oriental tea or to stand out in a great collection of quality Chinese pieces.Measurements: Width: 110 mm. Height: 120 mm.