Gilded silver salt stand reveals Tang Dynasty tea culture

Did you know that, in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Chinese people often added salt and other seasonings to tea to enhance its flavor and aroma? This tradition gave rise to exquisite utensils, like this gilded silver salt stand with Makara fish motifs, a craft masterpiece.

It has a lotus bud-shaped lid, which is adorned with three intricately designed Makara fish. The plate features a lotus pod-shaped hole for holding salt. Its three-legged stand is decorated with outward-curling silver wires, holding Makara fish and pearls.

Unearthed in 1987 from the underground chamber of the Famen Temple in Baoji, Shaanxi province, this stunning piece is now housed in the Famen Temple Museum.