Carved from white and brown jadeite in vertical strata, the flattened shield-shaped vase carved with pairs of stylized dragons holding a pearl in theior mouths, below a shou medallion on the neck, the decoration on each side in bright reddish-brown colored stonein relief against a pure white background, the neck with masl and loose ring handles, and the rim with more of the reddish-brown skin of the stone used to highlight a fretwork band, the cover with double dragon-loop finial holding a pair of loose rings.

Covered Vase, 18th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
On View in Gallery 210expand_more

This vase is considered one of the most striking examples of two-color jade in existence. The artist has used the natural colors of the vertical strata to great advantage in depicting the paired dragons and the circular shou, or longevity, symbol that appears in brown against the white background. The rear of the vessel, though carved with identical motifs, is entirely white. The practice of highlighting aspects of a work by carving in accordance with existing color variations was already prevalent by the Song dynasty (960-1280). The technical mastery of Qing artisans and the greater variety of jade available allowed them to produce spectacular objects like this. Keeping with eighteenth century taste, the vessel shape in this instance is vaguely antiquated. Although based on a type of ancient storage jar, this vase presents the stylized and decorative paired dragons, animal masks and meander patterns in a way quite different from the bronzes of the past that it emulates.

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Details
Title
Covered Vase
Role
Artist
Dimension
11 5/8 in. (29.53 cm)
Accession Number
92.103.7a,b
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Carved from white and brown jadeite in vertical strata, the flattened shield-shaped vase carved with pairs of stylized dragons holding a pearl in theior mouths, below a shou medallion on the neck, the decoration on each side in bright reddish-brown colored stonein relief against a pure white background, the neck with masl and loose ring handles, and the rim with more of the reddish-brown skin of the stone used to highlight a fretwork band, the cover with double dragon-loop finial holding a pair of loose rings.