Mouthpiece of a pipe
Unknown Artist
1796–1875
Medium
Jadeite, lilac-colored
Dimensions
H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); Diam. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.721
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, this delicate *Mouthpiece of a Pipe (1796–1875) the exquisite artistry of China's Qing dynasty (16441911). Crafted rare lilac-colored jadeite—a vivid, translucent variety prized for its purity and hue—this small gem measures just 1 3/4 inches high and 3/4 inch in diameter. Donated in 1902 by Heber R. Bishop, a key benefactor of the museum's jade holdings, it exemplifies the era's mastery in transforming humble materials into symbols of refinement. Jade held profound cultural significance in imperial China, embodying virtues lik...