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Staff with Bird-Shaped Finial

Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Not on view

This wood walking staff was found together with ten wood slips that record an imperial edict specifying the privileges afforded to seniors. Topped with a finial in the shape of a partridge, the staff enabled its holder to enter a government office at will and to walk on the side of the road that was otherwise reserved for the emperor. Anyone who dared abuse or take advantage of an elder, the edict decrees, would face criminal charges and severe punishment by the state.

#207. Cane with bird finial

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Staff with Bird-Shaped Finial, Wood and bronze, China — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Staff with Bird-Shaped Finial, Wood and bronze, China

Staff with Bird-Shaped Finial, Wood and bronze, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

东汉彩绘木鸠杖

Title: Staff with Bird-Shaped Finial

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Culture: China

Medium: Wood and bronze

Dimensions: Staff: L. 77 3/8 in. (196.5 cm)
Bird finial: H. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm); L.8 3/8 in. (21.2 cm)

Classification: Wood

Credit Line: Lent by Gansu Provincial Museum

Accession Number: SL.1.2017.12.4a, b

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Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.