Artwork Page for Jade Plaque

Details / Information for Jade Plaque

Jade Plaque

475–221 BCE

China, Henan province, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BCE), Warring States period

(475–221 BCE)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
nephrite
Measurements
Overall: 20.8 x 8.7 cm (8 3/16 x 3 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund and the John L. Severance Fund 1991.78.2
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This beautiful pair of late Eastern Zhou openwork jade plaques illustrate a level of creativity and technical achievement that was unequaled before or since. Taking the shape of a pair of fantastic creatures, they are at once tigerlike, rhinolike, and dragonlike. Their strong silhouettes are marked with shallow relief bands, and their subtly swelling embellished surfaces are finished to the same degree on both sides.
A nephrite, a polished, tan stone mottled with brown and gray, is carved into a horizontal, S-curved animal. Facing our right with its head tucked downward, the creature features an arched body covered in small, raised circular bumps and a spiraling tail. Thin lines and geometric patterns are incised into the head, neck, and legs. The stone shows muted cream and earthy tones across its smooth surface.

Jade Plaque

475–221 BCE

China, Henan province, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BCE), Warring States period (475–221 BCE)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork