Antique-Style Three-Fish Pattern Eared Cup

Antique-Style Three-Fish Pattern Eared Cup – Floating Wine Cup / Suizhou Zeng Hou Yi Chu-Style Lacquerware

This elegant eared cup draws inspiration from lacquerware treasures unearthed from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng —a legendary ruler of the Zeng state during the Warring States period (c. 433 BCE). His tomb in Suizhou, Hubei province, revealed over 200 exquisite lacquer pieces, showcasing the pinnacle of Chu-style lacquer art.

The three-fish pattern adorning the interior echoes ancient motifs symbolizing abundance and harmony. Crafted using traditional techniques—wooden body coated in black lacquer with vibrant vermilion details—it faithfully recreates the distinctive Chu aesthetic.

Designed as a floating wine cup  for the ancient ritual of "floating goblets" along winding streams—where scholars composed poetry as cups drifted by—it now serves beautifully as a unique sake cup or decorative piece.

Holding this cup connects you directly to Marquis Yi's era, where lacquer art reached sublime heights—a tangible piece of Chu culture's timeless elegance.