Lot 1398. An unusual silver-lined carved zitan archaistic cup, 18th-early 19th century; 4 in. (10.1 cm.) across handles. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. Price realised USD 12,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011.

With steep sides rising from the recessed base to the flared rim, carved around the exterior with bands of overlapping pendent blades, shallow indentations between bow-string bands and archaistic chilong confronted around whorl-shaped bosses, all interrupted by openwork handles carved as chilong grasping leaves and lingzhi in their mouths, beneath a continuous border of key fret, the interior lined in silver, box. 

Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1980s. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Part I and Part II Including Property from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, New York, 24 March 2011