0125 - Silver flask decorated in gilt repousse with designs of a dancing ho...Back

Silver flask decorated in gilt repousse with designs of a dancing horse holding a cup in its mouth. The gilt repousse design of the dancing horse with a cup in the mouth and a flying ribbon around the neck on both sides of the flask is very life-like. According to the History of the Tang Dynasty, "Emperor Hsuan-tsung further commanded to have a hundred richlycaparisoned horses arranged in two rows, one to the left and the other to the right, ...... dancing to the tunes of Drinking-Up the Cup for scores of rounds". The design on this flask is probably a portrait of such dancing horses.