Kneeling ram
Unknown Artist
206 BCE–220 CE
Medium
Black lacquer on solid wood core
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm); W. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); L. 2 1/2 in. (6.3 cm)
Classification
Lacquer
Culture & Period
China · Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Accession Number
2015.500.1.68
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art collection, this exquisite *Kneeling Ram* (ca. 206 BCE–220 CE) captures the mastery of Han dynasty Chinese artisans. Carved from a solid wood core and coated in glossy black lacquer, the diminutive sculpture measures just 2 inches high, 1⅛ inches wide, and 2½ inches long. Its lifelike pose—kneeling with a gentle curve to its body—showcases the precision and sensitivity of ancient woodworkers, transformed by layers of lacquer into a shimmering, durable treasure. Lacquerware reached new heights during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–A.D. 220), China's fo...