唐代筆記 vol.25 大都會博物館：十二生肖純金高足杯 - Met Museum, Tang Dynasty 12 Zodiac Golden Cup

唐代（618–907年）是中國歷史上最為繁榮的時期之一，無論在藝術、文化還是政治上都達到了高峰。絲綢之路的繁榮促進了中國與中亞的深度文化交流，這件“十二生肖純金高足杯”正是這一交流的具體見證。它展示了唐代金屬工藝的精湛技術，並融合了中亞地區，特別是薩桑王朝的藝術風格。

這件金杯不僅體現了中國唐代在金屬工藝上的成就，也顯示了唐代大唐帝國與絲綢之路沿線的中亞地區的文化互動與融合。它證明了唐代不僅是中國的盛世，也是全球範圍內的文化交流和藝術創新的時代。

十二生肖金杯

唐代（618–907年）8世紀

尺寸：高 3 1/2 英寸（8.9 厘米）；口徑 2 3/4 英寸（7 厘米）

收藏來源：購自2001年捐贈基金，2002年

物品編號：2002.19

唐代（618-907年）是中國歷史上最為繁榮的時期之一，特別是在藝術和文化方面的發展達到高峰。唐朝的強盛不僅源自其內政的穩定，還得益於絲綢之路的繁榮，使得中國與中亞、波斯乃至更遠地區的文化交流日益密切。這件“十二生肖純金高足杯”便是一個極好的例證，它反映了中亞地區文化的影響，尤其是粟特文化對唐代金工技藝的深刻影響。

這件金杯以高足設計為特色，展示了唐代金屬工藝的精湛技術。杯身上浮雕了十二生肖動物，這些圖案不僅表現了中國文化中的傳統象徵，也顯示出唐朝對動物圖案的喜好。這些動物形象與唐代的天文、命理學和社會象徵密切相關，象徵著中國文化的傳統。

然而，這件器物的藝術價值不僅限於中國文化的表現，它的浮雕技法和精緻的裝飾也顯示了中亞尤其是粟特商人對中國工藝的影響。杯身上環繞的藤蔓圖案以及雜交動物的形象，則深受薩桑王朝和波斯金屬工藝的啟發。這種結合中亞和中國元素的設計，顯示了唐代對外來文化的包容和吸收，特別是在金屬工藝和裝飾藝術上的精緻融合。

唐代是中國歷史上的一個盛世時期，經濟、文化、藝術、科技均處於極為繁榮的階段。大唐帝國的政治強盛，尤其是在與中亞、波斯等地的貿易與外交活動中，為中國藝術的發展提供了豐富的外來元素。絲綢之路作為中亞與中國之間的貿易和文化交流大動脈，不僅帶來了物質財富，也促進了思想和藝術風格的交匯。

這件金杯便是這一時期多元文化交流的縮影，它代表了中國大唐帝國與中亞地區的深刻聯繫，並證明了唐代在世界藝術史上的重要地位。

FAQ 唐代十二生肖金杯

1. 這件“十二生肖純金高足杯”有何特徵？ 這件金杯以其高足設計為特色，杯身上浮雕了十二生肖動物，並且環繞著藤蔓和雜交動物圖案，展示了中國和中亞文化的融合。

2. 這件金杯的藝術價值是什麼？ 這件金杯顯示了唐代金屬工藝的精湛技術和中亞金屬工藝對中國藝術的影響。它既保留了中國傳統的生肖文化，又融入了來自中亞的藝術風格，展示了兩者的融合與創新。

3. 這件金杯的背景是什麼？ 這件器物的背景與唐朝的盛世密切相關，特別是絲綢之路的繁榮。它是唐代與中亞、波斯等地文化交流的結果，反映了當時中國大唐帝國在全球範圍內的文化影響力。

4. 這件金杯的工藝技術有何特色？ 這件金杯使用了浮雕技術，杯身上的十二生肖動物以及藤蔓裝飾均通過精細的 repoussé 技法製作，顯示了唐代金屬工藝的精湛水平。

5. 為何這件金杯上有來自中亞的藝術元素？ 這些中亞元素來自絲綢之路上的貿易與文化交流。特別是粟特商人的角色，他們促進了中亞和中國之間的藝術風格互動，使得這件金杯的設計融合了中亞的藤蔓和雜交動物圖案。

Stem cup

Tang Dynasty

8th century

Occupying a portion of the ancient Silk Road that bridged China and Central Asia, the Western Regions (Chinese: Xiyu) played an active role in intercontinental trade and cultural exchange from the seventh to the ninth century. The twelve zodiac animals on this gold cup indicate the influence of Chinese culture, while the intertwined vines encircling hybrid animals reflect Sogdian and Persian metalworking practices of ancient Iran.

Title: Stem cup

Period: Tang dynasty (618–907)

Date: 8th century

Culture: China (Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Central Asia)

Medium: Gold with repoussé decoration

Dimensions: H. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Diam. of mouth 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Purchase, 2001 Benefit Fund, 2002

Object Number: 2002.19

Summary

The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) is one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history, particularly in terms of art and culture. The strength of the Tang Empire not only stemmed from its political stability but also from the flourishing of the Silk Road, which enabled active cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia. The Zodiac Golden Cup serves as a remarkable example of this cultural fusion, particularly reflecting the influence of Sogdian and Persian metalworking practices.

This gold stem cup is an exquisite representation of Tang Dynasty metalwork, featuring repoussé decoration of the twelve zodiac animals. The intricate animal motifs not only represent Chinese astrological symbols but also reveal the Empire's preference for animal symbolism. The entwined vines and hybrid animals, however, reflect the artistic influence from Sassanian Persia and Central Asia, particularly through the Sogdian merchants who facilitated cultural exchange.

The Zodiac Golden Cup is an embodiment of the rich cultural interaction facilitated by the Silk Road during the Tang period, a time when China was at the height of its power and influence. This artifact is not only an example of high Tang craftsmanship but also a testament to the symbiotic relationship between China and the Central Asian regions, demonstrating the seamless integration of foreign styles with Chinese traditions.

FAQ Tang Dynasty Golden 12 Zodiac Stem Cup

What are the characteristics of the Zodiac Golden Cup?The golden cup is distinguished by its stemmed design, with repoussé depictions of the twelve zodiac animals on the cup's body. It is also adorned with intertwined vines and hybrid animal motifs, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Central Asian cultures.

What is the artistic value of this golden cup?This golden cup demonstrates the exquisite metalworking techniques of the Tang Dynasty and the influence of Central Asian metalwork on Chinese art. It preserves the traditional Chinese zodiac culture while incorporating artistic elements from Central Asia, showcasing the blend and innovation of both traditions.

What is the background of this golden cup?This artifact is closely tied to the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty, particularly the flourishing of the Silk Road. It is a product of cultural exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and Central Asia, Persia, and other regions, reflecting China's global cultural influence during that time.

What are the distinctive craft techniques used in this golden cup?The golden cup features repoussé techniques, with the twelve zodiac animals and vine decorations intricately crafted using fine repoussé work, showcasing the high level of Tang Dynasty metalworking.

Why does this golden cup feature elements from Central Asia?These Central Asian elements are the result of trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. The role of Sogdian merchants, in particular, facilitated the interaction of artistic styles between Central Asia and China, leading to the incorporation of Central Asian vines and hybrid animal motifs in the design of this cup.