晚明 玉雕靈芝杯|Libation cup with magic fungus (lingzhi)
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
H. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
China · Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Accession Number
2015.500.5.29
Art Historical Context
This exquisite jade libation cup, carved from nephrite in the late Ming dynasty (17th century), embodies the pinnacle of Chinese jade artistry during a golden age of craftsmanship. Standing just 3 5/8 inches (9.2 cm) tall, its delicate form mimics the sacred lingzhi fungus, a motif revered in Chinese culture for symbolizing immortality, longevity, and spiritual enlightenment. Produced during the waning years of the Ming period (1368–1644), when imperial workshops flourished, such cups were prized possessions of scholars and elites, used in ritual wine offerings or as scholarly tableware. Neph...