Hatchet
Unknown Artist
Medium
Nephrite
Dimensions
H. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm); W. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); D. 9/16 in. (1.4 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture
Switzerland
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.199
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art department, this petite *Hatchet* exemplifies the allure of nephrite jade, a durable and lustrous stone revered across ancient cultures. Carved by an unknown artist, the object measures just 2 9/16 inches, 1 1/2 inches wide, and9/16 inches deepsmall enough to fit comfortably in the palm, suggesting it served more as a ceremonial or symbolic item than a practical tool. Its smooth, polished surfaces highlight the artisan's mastery in shaping this tough material without metal tools. Hailing from Swiss culture, likely prehistoric Alpine commun...