清 古書奇字玉燈一對|One of a pair of lamps with archaic-style calligraphy
Unknown Artist
second half 18th century
Medium
Jade (nephrite), wood, and ivory
Dimensions
H. 17 1/8 in (43.5 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Accession Number
2015.500.5.1
Art Historical Context
This exquisite jade lamp, one of a pair from the Qing dynasty (164–1911), exemplifies the opulent craftsmanship of late 18th China. Carved from lustrous nephrite jade, with accents of wood and ivory, it stands 17⅛ inches (43.5 cm) tall. The surface features "archaic-style calligraphy" (古書奇字), evoking ancient scripts that Qing scholars prized for their mystical allure and historical depth. Such designs transformed functional objects into scholarly treasures, blending utility with aesthetic reverence. In the Qing era, jade—symbolizing purity and imperial virtue—reached new heights of virtuosity...