Wine Cup, 2nd century BCE, 2 1/8 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/4 in. (5.4 x 17.15 x 13.34 cm), Lacquer on wood core, China, 2nd century BCE, By the middle of the Warring States period (475-221 b.c.), the finest eating utensils made for elegant dining were being made of lacquer. Thinly carved, wooden objects were protected with several coats of lacquer creating a light, durable vessel. Decorated, with geometric and curvilinear designs in black on orange lacquer, this rare cup has survived intact with its quatrefoil-shaped cup stand made of gilt bronze. Known in China as 'ear cups', this type of vessel was typically used for drinking wine.