Fragment
Unknown Artist
Medium
Nephrite
Dimensions
H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); W. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); Th. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture
Russia (Siberia)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.129
Art Historical Context
This enigmatic nephrite fragment, originating from Siberia in Russia, invites visitors to ponder the craftsmanship of ancient cultures in one of the world's most remote regions. Carved from nephrite—a dense, resilient form of jade prized for its toughness and lustrous green hue—this small piece measures just 4 3/8 inches high, 3 1/8 inches wide, and 3 9/16 inches thick. Its compact form suggests it may be part of a larger object, such as a tool, ornament, or ritual item, though its exact purpose remains a mystery due to the unknown artist and date. Nephrite jade holds profound cultural signif...