Knife pendant in the form of a tiger

Object Details

• Description

  A pale green jade stalking tiger, with brown and cream markings. Reported to have been excavated at Anyang. (Slight dirt adhering; excellent condition.)

  This flat jade plaque represents an animal with only two feet, mushroom-shaped horns, fanged mouth, and a tail. Incised lines articulate the large eye and echo the contours of the horn. Pairs of incised lines demarcate the paws from the legs. A bold diagonal line appears on the body of the animal, running from the top of the forequarter to the lower portion of the front leg.

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Anyang: China's Ancient City of Kings (February 25, 2023 to April 28, 2024)

  In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)

• Origin

  Anyang, probably Henan province, China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Jewelry and Ornament

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 1000s

• Place

  China, Henan province, Anyang

• Topic

  Art, Carving, Chinese Art, Anyang period, Late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300 - 1050 BCE), Nephrite, Jade, Tiger

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Ornaments, Jewelry