Pitcher with Four Qi Dragons
Artist
Chinese
DateQing Dynasty
Mediumnephrite
Dimensions10 × 7.5 × 4 cm (3 15/16 × 2 15/16 × 1 9/16 in.)
with base: 11.8 × 5.5 × 4.5 cm (4 5/8 × 2 3/16 × 1 3/4 in.)
with base: 11.8 × 5.5 × 4.5 cm (4 5/8 × 2 3/16 × 1 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.49
DescriptionFlattened oval white jade pitcher with cover. Decorationo f lizards, raised. Cover with lizard.Label TextPitcher with Four Qi Dragons Nephrite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 19th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.49 Young, hornless qi dragons with branched tails first appeared in works of the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). They can further be traced back to the animal motifs on metal artworks of the steppe nomads along China's western borders. From the 12th century onwards qi dragons were a popular archaistic motif, as shown here often forming the handles of vessels, or playfully chasing each other or jewels.
On View
Not on view
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
17th century, late Ming or early Qing dynasty