Qianlong-Marked White Jade ‘Hero’ Nuptial Cup

This nuptial cup is made of white jade, formed by two con­joined cups with an X-shaped handle. It is carved with an eagle standing above and a bear crouching below, hence the name ‘hero cup’ (ying xiong, homophone for eagle-bear). The bases are inscribed in clerical script with ‘Made in imitation of antiquity during the Qianlong reign’. It is fitted with a carved zitan rosewood stand and could be used as an interior display object.

Jade nuptial cups first appeared in the Ming dynasty and continued to be made in the Qing. Ming examples are generally shorter, while Qing versions include both short and tall forms, with more refined craftsmanship than Ming pieces.