Chimera (bixie) with Rider

Object Details

• Description

  A winged feline is seen in mid-stride with right front leg raised and left hind leg stretched far behind. A long thick tail curls up against its extended hind leg. Its head tilts up, its mouth wide open in a roar, showing straight rows of teeth. The chest is held proud and described with rows of short striations and arcs. Sweeping back from the front haunches are wings moulded in low relief, also marked by short striations. A winged figure crouches on the chimera's back, holding on to a tuft of its crest. Arrow-shaped markings suggesting fur are distributed throughout the body. The sharp claws of each paw are carefully described, but less attention is given the pads underneath each paw.

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Les trois reves du mandarin (October 22, 2009 to February 14, 2010)

  Chinese Jade Animals (April 19 to July 14, 1996)

  The Arts of China (November 18, 1990 to September 7, 2014)

  Monsters, Myths and Minerals (September 28, 1987 to November 26, 1995)

  Treasures from the Smithsonian Institution at the Royal Scottish Museum (August 11, 1984 to November 5, 1984)

  Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages (May 1 to June 22, 1975)

  Celadon, Jade: Finds, Specimen, Scientific Results (May to June 1963)

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Sculpture

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1900s, 1990s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Modern period (1910 - present), Art, Chinese Art, Nephrite, Forgery, Jade, Chimera, Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Sculpture