1943.50.329: Jade Pendant in the Shape of a Human Figure
Ritual ImplementsThe jade pendant is of a standing person that is pale green in color with brown discoloration along the right side and bottom. It is shown vertically on a light grey background. It has been carved with fine lines to outline a wrapped robe, belt, draped sleeves, their face, and short hair. Their sleeves come together in front of their stomach. The head is large and round with a small mouth, round nose, round eyes, and a blank expression.
Gallery Text
In the Zhou dynasty the number of jades in burial sites increased significantly, as multiple plaques and beads were sewn or strung together and draped over the face and body of the deceased. Jades in the forms of figures and animals became increasingly realistic, and surface patterns became more complex and highly decorative.
Identification and Creation
- Object Number
- 1943.50.329
- Title
- Jade Pendant in the Shape of a Human Figure
- Classification
- Ritual Implements
- Work Type
- pendant
- Date
- 475 - 221 BCE
- Places
- Creation Place: East Asia, China
- Period
- Zhou dynasty, Warring States period, 475-221 BCE
- Culture
- Chinese
- Persistent Link
- https://hvrd.art/o/204815
Location
- Location
-
Level 1, Room 1740, Early Chinese Art, Arts of Ancient China from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age
View this object's location on our interactive map
Physical Descriptions
- Medium
- Highly polished gray nephrite with dark brown markings
- Dimensions
-
H. 4.6 x W. 2 x Thickness 0.9 cm (1 13/16 x 13/16 x 3/8 in.)
Weight 13 g
Provenance
- Recorded Ownership History
- Grenville L. Winthrop, New York (by 1943), bequest; to Fogg Art Museum, 1943.
Published Text
- Catalogue
- Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
- Authors
- Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber
- Publisher
- Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975)
Catalogue entry no. 410 by Max Loehr:
410 Pendant in the Shape of a Human Figure
Highly polished gray jade with dark brown markings. The finely carved figure represents a woman in a long, kimono-like gown with very long sleeves. Its borders are set off by widely spaced striae, as are the cuffs, which hide the hands. The features are carefully modeled, with eyes showing the characteristically Mongoloid type of lid. The hair is neatly brushed back, forming a short tress which falls over the collar and ends in a flattish ornament to which a bow is tied. The sash is left plain. The figure is perforated axially, as well as sideways at the neck and below the sleeves; in addition, there is a wide transverse slot cut through the body. Late Eastern Chou.
Acquisition and Rights
- Credit Line
- Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop
- Accession Year
- 1943
- Object Number
- 1943.50.329
- Division
- Asian and Mediterranean Art
- Contact
- am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
- Permissions
-
THIS WORK MAY NOT BE LENT BY THE TERMS OF ITS ACQUISITION TO THE HARVARD ART MUSEUMS.
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Publication History
- Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, Fogg Art Museum, 1975)., cat. no. 410, p. 281
Exhibition History
- 32Q: 1740 Early China I, Harvard Art Museums, 11/16/2014 - 01/01/2050
Verification Level
This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu