urn BM-1958-0729.3-4

Period:Qing dynasty Production date:1736-1795
Materials:lacquer, bronze, gold,
Technique:carved, gilded, lacquered,
Subjects:dragon
Dimensions:Height: 51.60 centimetres (for both pitchers) Width: 23 centimetres Depth: 13 centimetres (excludes ball and chain) Depth: 16.50 centimetres (with ball and chain)

Description:
Lidded tea pitchers decorated with dragons. Made of carved red lacquer and gilded bronze.
IMG


Comments:This pair of pitchers was used to serve butter tea, which was widely enjoyed in Tibet. The drink was made by churning tea brewed from fermented black tea leaves with yak butter and salt. The shape of these lacquer vessels derives from a Tibetan butter churn, originally made from wood. These vessels were probably made in China for the Chinese court, and reflect the close connections between the Qing emperors and Tibetan dignitaries.