This exquisite jade goblet set from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) is crafted from five different materials! The cup and its stem are intricately carved from a single piece of jade stone, resting on a wooden base. A lobed jade plate encircles the waist of the goblet, with its lobes held by three small reptiles with golden heads and silver bodies. The reptiles’ tails connect to a bronze saucer at the bottom.
Unearthed from the tomb of Nanyue King Zhao Mo (175-122 BC), this goblet is believed to have been used to collect dew, reflecting the ancient pursuit of immortality. It is now housed in the Nanyue King Museum.