Lot 726. A small parcel-gilt silver stem cup, China, Tang dynasty (AD 618-907); 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm.) diameter; 36 g; 36 g. Estimate $4,000 - $6,000. Price Realized $12,500. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The upright sides decorated with two animals alternating with two birds amidst a leafy scroll against a ring-punched ground, the lower body and pedestal foot decorated with demi-florets reserved on a ring-punched ground, the decoration highlighted in gilding 

Provenance: The Collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, New York, before 1990.

Christie's. THE COLLECTION OF ROBERT HATFIELD ELLSWORTH PART IV - CHINESE WORKS OF ART: METALWORK, SCULPTURE AND EARLY CERAMICS, 20 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza.