Figure of a Foreign Tribute Bearer

Object Details

• Label

  The date of origin of this muscular figure has traditionally been attributed to the Tang dynasty (618-907), an age when foreigners freely mingled in the Chinese capital and were a popular art subject. Currently the date of this object is being reconsidered. Stylistic details, including the shape of the vessel the figure holds, suggest this exceptionally fine piece of jade was worked in the first half of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

  The figure holds a vessel whose opening at the top may have been used to hold a stick of incense. The bottom of the jade also has small perforations and a broken-off metal pin, suggesting that it was previously attached to a base. Perhaps this figure once belonged to a larger Buddhist votive image, a type of object that often included depictions of foreigners holding offerings to the Buddha.

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  The Arts of China (November 18, 1990 to September 7, 2014)

  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

  600s, 1000s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Art, Chinese Art, Men, Jade, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644)

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Sculpture