Mandarin Duck

Yellowish-green jade with light brown and grey brown patches. In shape almost as compact as the pigeon (S1987.811), this mandarin duck is identifiable through the flipped crest behind its head. Like the pigeon, shallowly incised circles form the eyes, and short striations hint at feathers on the edge of the crest and under the tail. The elaborate wings show the large mushroom-shaped element typical of a drake. The webbed feet are executed in low relief on the underside. All surface details are greatly worn.

Historical period(s)
Song dynasty, 960-1279
Medium
Jade
Dimensions
H x W x D: 3.9 x 6.9 x 3.7 cm (1 9/16 x 2 11/16 x 1 7/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.809
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Sculpture
Type

Figure

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

Yellowish-green jade with light brown and grey brown patches. In shape almost as compact as the pigeon (S1987.811), this mandarin duck is identifiable through the flipped crest behind its head. Like the pigeon, shallowly incised circles form the eyes, and short striations hint at feathers on the edge of the crest and under the tail. The elaborate wings show the large mushroom-shaped element typical of a drake. The webbed feet are executed in low relief on the underside. All surface details are greatly worn.

Published References
  • Chinese Jade Animals. Exh. cat. Hong Kong. cat. 104.
  • Desmond Gure, The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities. Selected Examples from the Jade Exhibition at Stockholm. no. 36 Stockholm. p. 24, fig. 5.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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