Pendant with mask

This jade plaque is in the form of a monster mask, placed at the center of the composition. The stylized horns and the remaining elements of the composition are arranged symmetrically on either side of the central mask. Incised lines, some of them oblique, define the monster mask and decorate the surface of the plaque. Some of the perforations are joined to form an openwork pattern. All of these perforations are arranged symmetrically. (Few slight nicks in edge; calcification evident on reverse.)

Historical period(s)
Forgery in the style of Western Zhou dynasty, ca. 1050-950 BCE, 20th century
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 6 x 9.1 x 0.4 cm (2 3/8 x 3 9/16 x 3/16 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1987.889
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Jewelry and Ornament
Type

Jewelry

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

This jade plaque is in the form of a monster mask, placed at the center of the composition. The stylized horns and the remaining elements of the composition are arranged symmetrically on either side of the central mask. Incised lines, some of them oblique, define the monster mask and decorate the surface of the plaque. Some of the perforations are joined to form an openwork pattern. All of these perforations are arranged symmetrically. (Few slight nicks in edge; calcification evident on reverse.)

Label

The taotie, or monster mask, at the center of the composition is embellished with elaborate stylized horns. Some of the incised lines are oblique, a feature associated with early Western Zhou dynasty jades.

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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