Cup
Unknown Artist
late 19th century
Medium
Jade, ivory stand
Dimensions
H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); H. (with stand) 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Diam. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Alfred W. Hoyt Collection, Bequest of Rosina H. Hoppin, 1965
Accession Number
65.86.104a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate jade cup, crafted by an unknown artist in late 19th-century China, the refined artistry of the Qing dynasty. Standing just 2⅝ inches tall (with its ivory stand reaching 4½ inches), the vessel features intricate carvings of human figures nestled among trees, evoking a serene natural scene. The translucent green jade, polished to a soft luster, highlights the material's prized qualities—its cool touch and enduring hardness symbolizing purity and immortality in Chinese culture. ade carving reached new heights of technical virtuosity during this era, with artisans employing fine too...