Used to contain ritual wine, for direct drinking.
The cup consists of 3 parts: mouth, body and legs. The mouth is in funnel shape, prototyped with 8 heart-shape leaves with folding patterns within. The two sub-handles look like handles of swords attached to the mouth ring. The body is in spherical shape, prototyped with dragon-transforming fish, horseshoe-shape patterns and folding patterns. The two handles are smooth and in C shape. The three legs spread outward, fully casted with folding patterns. The inscription in the bottom is:
御製
狂樂勿耽喪儀失德燕會理難廢有節有量為得
明命己亥
倣周子乙斝
Literal Translation:
Made by the Emperor
Do not be too passionate in excitements since the good behaviours and morality may be lost. It is hard to keep a good manner if unable to refuse parties.
Minh Mang, Ky Hoi Year
Adapted from a cup of Zhou Dynasty.