清中期 翡翠苦瓜鎮|Paperweight in the shape of a bitter melon
Unknown Artist
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium
Jade (jadeite)
Dimensions
H. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); H. incl. base 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); D. 1 9/16 in. (4 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
02.18.655
Art Historical Context
This exquisite jadeite paperweight, carved in the shape of a bitter melon during China's Qing dynasty (late 18th–early 19th century), exemplifies the era's masterful lapidary arts. Known as *Qing zhongqi feicui kugua zhen*, the translucent green stone captures the vegetable's textured, wrinkled surface with remarkable precision, from the subtle ridges of its skin to the delicate stem and tendrils. Measuring just 1⅛ inches high (excluding its base), this diminutive object showcases the intricate carving techniques honed by Qing artisans, who exploited jadeite's vibrant hues and toughness to cre...