Three Rams Resting Under a Pine Tree Near a Stream
Artist
Chinese
Date17th century, late Ming or early Qing dynasty
(not assigned)China, Asia
Mediumwhite nephrite
Dimensions7.3 x 10.8 cm (2 7/8 x 4 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.57
DescriptionWhite jade, group of three rams under a tree.Label TextCarved out a single piece of white nephrite, this charming scene features two adult rams turning to look at their offspring. They all rest under a pine tree, and near a stream and fungus of immortality (lingzhi). The word for “ram” is “yang”, which is also a homophone for the long, continuous lines (yang) used in creating the trigrams and fortune-telling hexagrams described in the famous work, “The Book of Changes” (Yi Jing or I Ching). Since the trigram of three long lines (san yang) symbolizes the three months of spring, the representation of three rams came symbolize spring, new beginnings, and new chances for prosperity and good fortune. The carved base features both rocks and lingzhi.
On View
On view
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
