Mandarin Duck

Object Details

• Description

  Yellowish-green jade with light brown and grey brown patches. In shape almost as compact as the pigeon (S1987.811), this mandarin duck is identifiable through the flipped crest behind its head. Like the pigeon, shallowly incised circles form the eyes, and short striations hint at feathers on the edge of the crest and under the tail. The elaborate wings show the large mushroom-shaped element typical of a drake. The webbed feet are executed in low relief on the underside. All surface details are greatly worn.

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

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

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

  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

  900s, 1200s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Art, Song dynasty (960 - 1279), Chinese Art, Jade, Ducks

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Sculpture