Chain

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite *Chain*, a masterful example of Ming dynasty (1368–1644) jade craftsmanship from China, now gracing the Metropolitan Museum of's Asian Art collection.ved from light sage-green nephrite—a variety of jade prized for its toughness and luminous translucency—this artwork consists of interlocking links, each standing an impressive 19 inches (.3 cm) high. Donated in 1902 by collector Heber R. Bishop it exemplifies the era's technical virtuosity, where artisans transformed unyielding stone into fluid, chain-like forms through meticulous carving and polishing. In Ming China, jade ...