Knife
Unknown Artist
Medium
Nephrite
Dimensions
H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); W. 1 in. (2.5 cm); D. 5/8 in. (1.6 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
02.18.191
Art Historical Context
This delicate nephrite knife, measuring just 2½ inches in height, exemplifies the ancient artistry of Swiss culture. Crafted from nephrite—a tough, resilient variety of jade prized for its durability and lustrous green hue—this small tool (H. 2½ in.; W. 1 in.; D. ⅝ in.) likely served practical purposes while showcasing exceptional stone-working skill. Its presence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Department highlights jade's cross-cultural allure, bridging European prehistoric traditions with the material's fame in Eastern carvings. Though the artist and exact date remain unknown, ne...