"Mother-of-pearl Cup Silver Mount. China 18° Century."
Rare cup on tripod base, composed of a natural shell mounted on silver bamboo stems, the whole being supported by a finely carved hardwood base. Nuts and threaded manually rods join the different elements together. The visible nuts are chiseled in the shape of a butterfly. The leaf branches are removable, being inserted into the bamboo trunks by tenons. The mother-of-pearl is left natural. An absolutely identical cut was exhibited at the Victoria & Albert in the 90s. Chinese work from the 18th century made for Europe. Good condition, missing a rod on the 6 which does not affect the aesthetics of the object and is not noticeable.