A rare example of clear glass libation cup made in the style of carved rock crystal. The piece was manufactured by casting the glass in a mould, with some of the details which were incised by hand. The cup depicts waves motifs cleverly arranged in geometrical patterns. A detailed design of a phoenix can be admired on one side of the cup, while the figure of a dragon stands out in all its beauty on another side of the vessel. The bottom of the cup resembles the shape of a dragon’s tail, and it gives a combination of mystic and naturalistic aura to the piece. This type of glass has much in common with other contemporary arts: the elaborate shape and the detailed designs resembles those used for carving jade.
The vessel is in very good conditions with no sign of damage or deterioration of the glass. Comparable examples of cut- glass objects similar to the one showed here can be found within the broader Qing glassmaking tradition. Examples of carved Chinese libation cups are usually found in other materials such as bronze, bone and jade, making this glass piece quite unique.