A SILVER ‘LOTUS’ CUPSONG DYNASTY (AD 960-1279)The cup has rounded sides chased with overlapping petals with stamens rising over the top row just below the mouth rim. The center of the interior is chased with a ring of stamens encircling a seed pod. The stem foot is incised with a narrow band of undulating waves below a four-character inscription on one side reading Wang Shi lian ju (Wang Shi’s precious dressing case).3 3⁄4 in. (9.3 cm.) diam., Japanese wood box