Small Pitcher with Qi-Dragon Handle
Artist
Chinese
DateQing Dynasty
Mediumquartz
Dimensions5.8 × 8.3 × 5.3 cm (2 5/16 × 3 1/4 × 2 1/16 in.)
with base: 7.5 × 8.3 × 5.3 cm (2 15/16 × 3 1/4 × 2 1/16 in.)
with base: 7.5 × 8.3 × 5.3 cm (2 15/16 × 3 1/4 × 2 1/16 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard
Terms
Object number1938.47
DescriptionAnimal head loop with loose ring below the pouring lip, lizard handle.Label TextSmall Pitcher with Qi-Dragon Handle Quartz; Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), 17th century Bequest of Mrs. Harry W. Goddard, in memory of Harry W. Goddard, 1938.47 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
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
