Girdle appendage
Unknown Artist
ca. 13th century
Medium
Nephrite
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm); W. 1 5/16 in. (3.4 cm); L. 1 1/4 in. (3.1 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.338
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Girdle appendage*, carved from nephrite jade around the 13th century hails from China and exemplifies the pinnacle of Song or early Yuan dynasty craftsmanship. Measuring just over 2 inches high, this petite ornament (H. 2 in.; W. 1 5/16 in.; L. 1 1/4 in.) was designed to adorn a belt or girdle, a common accessory for elite men and women. Nephrite, prized for its toughness, creamy translucency, and subtle green hues, allowed artisans to achieve remarkable detail on such a small scale, showcasing the advanced piercing, incising, and polishing techniques honed over centuries in Ch...