Pigeon

With its smoothly rounded, bald head and compact form, this jade bird describes faithfully a brooding pigeon drawing its neck and head into the swelling chest, hugging its wings tightly against the sides. The wings and tail feathers are described with naturalistic economy in delicately incised lines now greatly worn. An intaglio circle defines each eye. Five rows of short striations mark the back between the head and tail. Its folded legs with long sharp claws are rendered in low relief on the underside. The pitted surface and brown discoloration on one side indicate considerable age and wear.

Historical period(s)
Song dynasty, 960-1279
Medium
Jade
Dimensions
H x W x D: 4.7 x 8.5 x 3.1 cm (1 7/8 x 3 3/8 x 1 1/4 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.811
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jade, Sculpture
Type

Figure

Keywords
bird, China, pigeon, Song dynasty (960 - 1279), WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

With its smoothly rounded, bald head and compact form, this jade bird describes faithfully a brooding pigeon drawing its neck and head into the swelling chest, hugging its wings tightly against the sides. The wings and tail feathers are described with naturalistic economy in delicately incised lines now greatly worn. An intaglio circle defines each eye. Five rows of short striations mark the back between the head and tail. Its folded legs with long sharp claws are rendered in low relief on the underside. The pitted surface and brown discoloration on one side indicate considerable age and wear.

Published References
  • Bo Gyllensvard. Celadon, Jade: Finds, Specimen, Scientific Results; Exhibition. Exh. cat. Stockholm, May-June 1963. cat. 98.
  • Chinese Jade Animals. Exh. cat. Hong Kong. cat. 102.
  • Desmond Gure, The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities. Selected Examples from the Jade Exhibition at Stockholm. no. 36 Stockholm. p. 24, fig. 7.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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