Hen

Pale yellowish-green jade with amber streaks. A hen turns its head awkwardly back and tilted slightly forward so that its small beak just touches the tip of its wing. Its two-dimensional pose may be the result of a deliberate adjustment to the flatness of the jade used. However, physical details like the floppy scalloped comb, wattles below the jaws, and wing and tail feathers are described with care. Small incised circles form the eyes. Rows of short striations mark the neck, chest, and underside of the tail. The legs underneath, with blunt rounded claws, are rendered in low relief.

Historical period(s)
Song dynasty, 960-1279
Medium
Jade
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5.2 x 6.9 x 2.3 cm (2 1/16 x 2 11/16 x 7/8 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.808
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Jewelry and Ornament
Type

Ornament

Keywords
chicken, China, Song dynasty (960 - 1279)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Pale yellowish-green jade with amber streaks. A hen turns its head awkwardly back and tilted slightly forward so that its small beak just touches the tip of its wing. Its two-dimensional pose may be the result of a deliberate adjustment to the flatness of the jade used. However, physical details like the floppy scalloped comb, wattles below the jaws, and wing and tail feathers are described with care. Small incised circles form the eyes. Rows of short striations mark the neck, chest, and underside of the tail. The legs underneath, with blunt rounded claws, are rendered in low relief.

Published References
  • Bo Gyllensvard. Celadon, Jade: Finds, Specimen, Scientific Results; Exhibition. Exh. cat. Stockholm, May-June 1963. cat. 95.
  • Chinese Jade Animals. Exh. cat. Hong Kong. cat. 105.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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