Large Disk with Bands of Small Protuberances and Incised Bovine Masks
Culture
Chinese
Date3rd century BCE
Mediumnephrite
Dimensionsdiameter: 20.3 cm (8 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineGift of the Rubin-Ladd Foundation, Ester R. Portnow Collection of Asian Art
Object number2007.118.1
DescriptionOne of a pair.Label TextRaised spirals appeared on jade works from the sixth century BCE onward; over time they were lined up in a diagonal row "grain" pattern. The design may have symbolized the cereal grains presented as offerings in religious ceremonies or they were an abstracted version of earlier C and S-shaped scroll patterns. The clockwise and counterclockwise spirals strikingly reflect light when the disk is moved. Many large, dark green Eastern Zhou dynasty disks have been found in Han dynasty tombs. Both sides of this disk are decorated with plain, evenly spaced protuberances linked by incised lines, a design which had evolved from the earlier, livelier spiral "grain" motif. The incised design of bovine masks, flanked by snake-like extensions, masterfully imitates the ornamentation of gold and bronze works and openwork jade pendants of the Eastern Zhou dynasty.ProvenanceS. Throckmorton, New York, NY; 2003, purchased by The Rubin-Ladd Foundation, Georgetown, CT; 2007, donated to the Worcester Art Museum.
On View
Not on view
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
17th century, late Ming or early Qing dynasty