Ancestor tablet with bird and dragon

Both surfaces of the large rectangular jade handle are decorated with a stylized bird motif seen in profile. The bird is presented in terms of double incised lines, some of which are beveled. The upper portion of the handle is plain with a slightly larger, projecting shape at the top. (Many very tiny pits in surface; very small flaw in corner of tip.)

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Historical period(s)
Western Zhou dynasty, ca. 1050-ca. 950 BCE
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 13.2 x 2.5 x 0.4 cm (5 3/16 x 1 x 3/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1987.847
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceremonial Object, Jade
Type

Ceremonial object: tablet

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

Both surfaces of the large rectangular jade handle are decorated with a stylized bird motif seen in profile. The bird is presented in terms of double incised lines, some of which are beveled. The upper portion of the handle is plain with a slightly larger, projecting shape at the top. (Many very tiny pits in surface; very small flaw in corner of tip.)

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
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