Bowl
Unknown Artist
1883
Medium
Nephrite, variegated pear-leaf green with tiny specks of black
Dimensions
H. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm); W. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture
Russia
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.806
Art Historical Context
This delicate nephrite jade bowl, crafted in Russia in 1883 by an unknown artist, exemplifies the timeless allure of jade in late 19th-century luxury objects. Measuring a modest 1 5/16 inches (3.4 cm) in height and 4 13/16 inches (12.2 cm) wide, its shallow, elegant form showcases the stone's natural variegated pear-leaf green color, accented by tiny black specks that add subtle texture and depth. Nephrite, a tough and resilient variety of jade, was highly valued for its translucency and polishability, allowing artisans to reveal its intrinsic beauty through precise carving. Housed in the Met...