Female Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and a Branch with Ripe Peaches and Basket, Accompanied by a Boy
Artist
Chinese
Datelate 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumdark green jadeite
Dimensions11.6 cm (4 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.40
DescriptionFigure of a woman carrying lantern on branch over right shoulder, with child at right also carrying branch.Label TextFemale Figure Holding Lingzhi Fungus and a Branch of Ripe Peaches and Basket, Accompanied by a Boy Jadeite; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), late 18th century 1938.40 Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.40 Female goddesses, heavenly maidens and fairies with flowing robes are prevalent in Taoist and Buddhist myths. Widely popular, their attributes have over time been fused, making it difficult to identify them in artistic renderings. These two works could be Xiwangmu, the Taoist Queen Mother of the West, or Lady Ma (Magu or Ma Gu Xian Shou)-or conflations of both figures. According to legend, the virtuous Xiwangmu confers immortality by distributing the peaches she grows in her jade-palace garden. The compassionate Lady Ma is usually described as carrying a basket and accompanied by a deer. The figure on the coral vase is shown wearing a jade disk (bi) hanging from her waistband.
On View
On view
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
