Chinese Coconut Cup

Carved from the shell of a coconut, this enchanting Chinese cup exhibits exceptional artistry. An elegant floral design encircles the entire cup, while the interior is fully lined with silver. In addition to the poison detecting powers attributed to coconuts, the Chinese believed that silver would tarnish when in contact with poison. In fact, many wealthy Chinese used silver lined cups and chopsticks tipped with silver fittings as an assurance against poisoning. To find a silver-lined coconut cup of such wonderful quality, elevated on a silver pedestal, is exceptionally rare.

Features maker’s mark on the underside

Circa 1800

3 1/4” diameter x 5 1/2” high