Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207

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.

#7331. Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

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Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, Jade (nephrite), China

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