Ancestor tablet with bird and dragon

Object Details

• Description

  Both surfaces of the large rectangular jade handle are decorated with a stylized bird motif seen in profile. The bird is presented in terms of double incised lines, some of which are beveled. The upper portion of the handle is plain with a slightly larger, projecting shape at the top. (Many very tiny pits in surface; very small flaw in corner of tip.)

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

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

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Ceremonial Object

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 0s, BCE 1000s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Western Zhou dynasty (ca. 1050 - 771 BCE), Art, Animals, Chinese Art, Nephrite, Birds, Jade, Dragon

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Ceremonial objects