The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are popular decorative motifs that appear in various media. This set, made of flawless pale green jade, would have been especially prized. Qing-dynasty master carvers individualized each animal with distinctive accessories and varied postures. The dragon, for example, holds a large pearl. This set is from the collection of Heber R. Bishop.
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Artwork Details
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清中期 青白玉十二生肖像
Title:Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac
Period:Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date:18th–19th century
Culture:China
Medium:Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions:Overall (each approx.): H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification:Jade
Credit Line:Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Object Number:02.18.730a–l
Heber R. Bishop American, New York (until 1902; donated to MMA)
Palm Springs Desert Museum. "Magic, Art and Order: Jade in Chinese Culture," February 8, 1990–April 29, 1990.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Art and Oracle: African Art and Rituals of Divination," April 24, 2000–July 30, 2000.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Bishop Jades," March 30, 2004–February 12, 2006.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The "Hundred Antiques"," February 18–October 31, 2006.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Extravagant Display: Chinese Art in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries," December 14, 2010–May 1, 2011.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Celebration of the Year of the Ram," January 17–April 12, 2015.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Monkey Business: Celebrating the Year of the Monkey," January 8–July 24, 2016.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Celebrating the Year of the Pig," February 4–July 28, 2019.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Celebrating the Year of the Rat," January 17–June 23, 2020.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Celebrating the Year of the Ox," January 30, 2021–January 23, 2022.
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Celebrating the Year of the Rabbit," January 21, 2023–January 30, 2024.
Bishop, Heber R. The Heber R. Bishop Collection of Jade and other Hard Stones. Handbook no. 10. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1909, p. 78.
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