18 | A SILVER GILT BASIN Tang dynasty 8th century AD China The silver gilt basin's deep sides curve in slightly towards the base - the latter being convex on the exterior, and devoid of any decoration apart from the gilded surface. The interior is decorated with punched and engraved work, and the sides designed with six repeating panels of flowers and leaves on a punched ground - each individually floating against the plain gilded background. The centre of the inside base depicts two swimming carp amongst flowers and leaves, against a punched ground and all within a double circle. Stylised waves frame this scene, and they are bordered by a further broad band of flowers and leaves on a punched ground. Width: 11" / 28cm Height: 2 ¾"/ 7cm Similar example: 'Archaic Chinese Gold' by Christian Didier and Han Wei, Arhis 2001 - fig. 393. This piece was excavated in 1975 at Xian. 'Tang dai jin yin chi', Gold and Silver of the Tang Dynasty - Shaanxi Provincial Museum, Wen Wu Publishing, Beijing 1985, fig. 134. This example is dated to between 756 and 820 AD.