A finely modelled Chinese Han Dynasty, terracotta wine cup known as an ‘ear cup’, featuring an ovoid body which gently tapers in towards the slightly raised foot. Two semicircular ‘ear’ handles have been applied to either side of the rim. Chipping to the rim. Earthy encrustations and scratches to the surface. ‘Ear cups’ (耳杯), also known as ‘feather cups’ (羽觞), were a type of ancient Chinese drink vessel commonly used for wine. They are characterised by two semicircular side handles resembling the shape of ears or bird wings, which give them their names. ‘Ear cups’ first appeared during the Warring States period, and remained in use until the Tang Dynasty. These vessels were made of a wide variety of materials including bronze, gold, jade, lacquered wood, and pottery. Metal and lacquerware cups were mostly for everyday use, whilst pottery cups, like this fine example, were used as burial objects and funerary offerings. Measurements: L 11.3cm x W 9.2cm x H 3.3cm Provenance: Private UK collection, brought from a West country collection in 1990’s.