Chinese gold vessels known as zhihu 执壶, mostly used for wine (rice wine, grape wine, grains wine, etc) from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Since ancient times, gold has been considered in China a symbol of wealth and social status. Gold was usually reserved for decoration or the making of luxury objects, such as ceremonial tableware and jewellery.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the production of gold objects and ornaments developed widely. Some of the most beautiful pieces were enhanced with precious stones: rubies, spinels, blue, yellow or green sapphires, or any other rare material, such as white or green jade, freshwater pearls, and kingfisher feathers.
Given the value of the metal from which these objects are made, they are relatively rare survivors. As most of the gold items produced during this period were intended for personal use – and not as tomb goods – the ones that have survived are linked to the imperial family.
