清 水晶獅形擺件|Figure of a lion
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Rock crystal
Dimensions
H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification
Hardstone
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.842
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate rock crystal figure of a lion, crafted in 18th-century China during the dynasty (1644–1), exemplifies the era's mastery of hardstone carving. Standing just 2½ inches (6.4 cm) high and 4 inches (.2 cm) wide, the translucent sculpture captures the lion's fierce yet elegant form in stunning clarity, allowing light to play through its faceted surfaces like frozen water. In imperial China, lions—often depicted as mythical guardians—symbolized power, protection, and imperial authority. These *shi* (lion) figures were popular as decorative *摆件* (摆件, display pieces) for scholars' studio...