Beer Jug

An elaborately decorated damascened beer jug, probably used for ceremonial occasions and passed down through generations. The cylindrical body is divided into two registers (with four panels in each), with fine silver wire inlaid to create a swirling vine pattern; at the centre of each is one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, picked out in gold. Each panel is bordered with a pattern of linked circles, again in silver. Raised bands of iron encircle the body at the bottom, centre and rim of the jug, each filled with bands of the same pattern of half-linked circles but here damascened in gold. Eight hour glass-shaped panels divide the two registers vertically, each filled with relief scrolling foliage around the Eight Buddhist Emblems damascened in gold. The spout and handle are secured with brass pins.