Finial (?) in the form of a standing bird

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 2
Download Image IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 2500 - 2000 BCE
  • Geography

    Hubei province, Middle Yangzi valley, China
  • Material

    Jade (nephrite)
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 10.4 x 1.6 x 1.6 cm (4 1/8 x 5/8 x 5/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.930
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.930

Object Details

  • Description

    Jade handle has bird with delicate features etched onto surface. Bird has incised eyes, beak, legs and claws with crossed wings circling around back of handle. (Spotty calcification with brownish-colored areas on bottom. Straight brown line on chest of bird.)
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    5000 Years of Chinese Jade (October 1, 2011 to February 19, 2012)
    Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Jades (October 1, 1989 - September 10, 1990)
    In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
  • Origin

    Hubei province, Middle Yangzi valley, China
  • Culture

    Shijiahe culture, ca. 2500-ca. 2000 BCE
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Jewelry and Ornament
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

    The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring