The Wallace Collection

New Year at the Chinese Qing Court

Discover two 18th-century gold cups that highlight the opulence and rituals of the Qing court.

Ceremonial cup with stand: Gold Cup of Eternal Stability, 金甌永固杯 Ceremonial cup with stand: Gold Cup of Eternal Stability, 金甌永固杯 (1740) by Unknown Artist / MakerThe Wallace Collection

These two spectacular cups are masterpieces of Chinese craftsmanship. Known as the ‘Gold Cups of Eternal Stability’ (金甌永固杯) they were made in the 18th century for the Qianlong Emperor (d.1799) to be used in the new year celebrations at the Forbidden City.

Only two other examples exist and are in the The Palace Museum, Beijing and National Palace Museum, Taipei.

Although very similar, the cups are not a pair. The older of the two was created in 1739 and is made of gilt copper. It features delicate baoxiang flowers (寶相花), a type of hybrid floral design which combines the features of a peony, lotus and chrysanthemum.

However, the Qianlong Emperor seems not to have been completely satisfied with its design and in 1740 the second cup was made.

This time from solid gold and incorporating much more exuberant floral designs.

As well as gold, the cups have been lavishly decorated with gemstones including carnelians, chrysoberyls, sapphires and spinels as well as pearls and lapis lazuli.

Ceremonial cup with stand: Gold Cup of Eternal Stability, 金甌永固杯 Ceremonial cup with Stand: Gold Cup of Eternal Stability, 金甌永固杯 (1739) by Unknown Artist / MakerThe Wallace Collection

To create the ground imperial craftsmen painstakingly attached hundreds of iridescent kingfisher feathers in a technique known as diǎncuì (点翠).

This resulted in a vivid electric blue which could not be replicated by any other material.

Echoing the design of ancient Chinese bronze tripod vessels from the Shang and Zhou periods, the feet are in the form of elephants’ heads, symbolizing luck, strength and wisdom.

Correspondingly the serpentine single-footed dragon or Kuilong (夔龙) handles are also derived from those found on ancient Chinese bronze vessels.

Ceremonial cup with stand: Gold Cup of Eternal Stability, 金甌永固杯 Ceremonial cup with Stand: Gold Cup of Eternal Stability Detail (1740) by Unknown Artist / MakerThe Wallace Collection

Their design was of particular concern to the Qianlong Emperor who ordered that they should be given special attention when the cup was redesigned in 1740.

Sadly, the pearls that once adorned their heads are now missing.

Each of the cups bears the inscriptions ‘Eternal Territorial Stability’ (金甌永固) and ‘Made in Qianlong’s Reign’ ( 乾隆年製 ) in an ancient form of writing known as ‘seal script’.

This interest in epigraphy characterised the Qing dynasty’s passion for China’s history and archaeology.

The gold cup was used in an event known as the ‘First [Brush] Stroke Ceremony’ which took place at midnight on the first day of the lunar new year or ‘Spring Festival’.

A special type of herbal wine known as tusu (屠蘇酒) was prepared in the imperial kitchens and sent to the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City. The wine was then poured into the Gold Cup of Eternal Stability.

Painting of Qing dynasty ceremony (1636/1900) by UnknownThe Wallace Collection

The ceremony began with the emperor drinking the tusu to ensure the territorial integrity of the nation.

He then lit ‘The Jade Candlestick of Constant Harmony’ for favorable weather over the coming year, before writing auspicious words using the ‘Forever Green Brush’.

During this final stage of the ceremony the gold cup and jade candlestick were held by the emperor’s grandson, symbolising the continuity of the Qing dynasty.

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

The Wallace Collection