Pendant with Daoist divinities

19th century

Not on view

Both sides of this fruit pit are meticulously carved with images of Daoist immortals, including the fairy Magu with her deer attendant and Shoulao, God of Longevity. The small size and hard surface of fruit stones (usually ganlan, also known as “Chinese olives”) make them extremely difficult to carve, which is why this craft was highly valued. Very few of these objects were created and even fewer survived.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

清核雕麻姑獻壽
Title: Pendant with Daoist divinities
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: 19th century
Culture: China
Medium: Fruit stone
Dimensions: W. 1 in. (2.5 cm); L. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Dwight P. Robinson, 1954
Object Number: 54.36
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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