Pendant in the form of a bird

The bird is presented in profile. The small crested head, large body and foot, and long, raised tail appear disproportionate. The lines indicating the wings and tail also suggest a lack of sensitivity to the overall scale of the piece. Perhaps the present composition is a re-cutting of a large original version. Circular perforations appear on the chest and tail of the bird. (Calcified; few very small areas of surface abrasion.)

Historical period(s)
Western Zhou dynasty, ca. 1050-ca. 950 BCE
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 7 x 9 x 0.4 cm (2 3/4 x 3 9/16 x 3/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1987.846
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Jewelry and Ornament
Type

Jewelry

Keywords
bird, China, Western Zhou dynasty (ca. 1050 - 771 BCE)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

The bird is presented in profile. The small crested head, large body and foot, and long, raised tail appear disproportionate. The lines indicating the wings and tail also suggest a lack of sensitivity to the overall scale of the piece. Perhaps the present composition is a re-cutting of a large original version. Circular perforations appear on the chest and tail of the bird. (Calcified; few very small areas of surface abrasion.)

Published References
  • J. Keith Wilson, Jingmin Zhang. Jades for Life and Death. .
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Jades for Life and Death
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use

Related Objects