Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Medium:
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions:
H x W: 6.5 x 5 cm (2 9/16 x 1 15/16 in)
Type:
Jewelry and Ornament
Origin:
China
Date:
8th-10th century
Period:
Tang or Liao dynasty
Description:
A youthful flying deity, or feitian (sometimes called an apsaras), with hair arranged in three tufts, holds a lotus bud in its right hand. The presentation of the figure, as seen from the front and from behind, clearly establishes the front and back surfaces of the ornament. The overall semi-circular contours of the ornament, evidently dictated by the shape of the original jade, is echoed in the arc of the youthful figure. Flowing draperies, scarves and stylized clouds lend the composition a sense of bouyant movement. The soles of the figure's feet are summarily indicated and presented as if from underneath.The jade artisan incorporated the brownish color of the outer "skin" of the stone in the stylized clouds, the feet and the ends of the drapery scarves.
Collection:
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Topic:
carving  Search this
jade  Search this
nephrite  Search this
Buddhism  Search this
Daoism  Search this
Tang dynasty (618 - 907)  Search this
China  Search this
apsara  Search this
Chinese Art  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of The Honorable and Mrs. Hugh Scott
Accession Number:
F1985.1
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
Related Online Resources:
Google Cultural Institute
See more items in:
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
Data Source:
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ye397bb7b76-0d7c-4667-8339-d6278a7a35be
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:fsg_F1985.1