CHINESE
Wine cup

Medium
glass

Measurements
4.3 × 7.0 × 5.3 cm

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1930

Gallery location
Asian Art - Chinese Gallery
Level 1, NGV International

About this work

According to the theory of the five elements - fire, earth, water, metal and wood - yellow signifies earth and is considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious colours. Closely associated with the emperor since the Qin Dynasty (221 - 207 BCE), yellow was used to decorate royal palaces and temples, and became the colour used for imperial clothing. From the Ming dynasty onwards, emperors favoured yellow porcelain ware for its vivid beauty and the imperial power it represented.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
China

Accession Number
3195-D3

Department
Asian Art

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CHINESE Wine cup

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CHINESE
Wine cup