Chimera with Rider

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.

Historical period(s)
Eastern Han dynasty, ca. 25-220
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 8.1 x 13.9 x 3.8 cm (3 3/16 x 5 1/2 x 1 1/2 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.26
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Sculpture
Type

Figure

Keywords
chimera, China, Eastern Han dynasty (25 - 220)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
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.

Published References
  • Daisy Lion-Goldschmidt, Jean-Claude Moreau-Gobard. Chinese Art: Bronze, Jade, Sculpture, Ceramics. The Universe Library of Antique Art 4 vols., , 1st ed. London and New York. .
  • Jessica Rawson. Chinese Jades from the Neolithic to the Qing. Exh. cat. London. fig. 73.
  • S. Howard Hansford. Chinese Carved Jades. The Arts of the East London. pl. 63.
  • Bo Gyllensvard. Celadon, Jade: Finds, Specimen, Scientific Results; Exhibition. Exh. cat. Stockholm, May-June 1963. cat. 16.
  • Desmond Gure. Some Unusual Jades and Their Dating. vol. 33 London. pls. 38, 44.
  • Chinese Jade Animals. Exh. cat. Hong Kong. cat. 42.
  • unknown title. no. 36 Stockholm, 1963. pl. 9-1a, 9-1b.
  • Title unknown. London, May 1963. p. 43.
  • Jessica Rawson, John Ayers. Chinese Jade Throughout the Ages: An Exhibit. Exh. cat. London. cat. 177, 67, p. 13.
  • Edwards Park. Treasures from the Smithsonian Institution. Exh. cat. Washington, August 11 - November 5, 1984. p. 74.
  • et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 69, p. 113.
  • Les Trois Reves du Mandarin. Exh. cat. Brussels. cat. 107, p. 128.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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