東漢 玉握豬|Pig in Recumbent Position

Art Historical Context

This exquisite jade pig, carved from nephrite during China's Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE), captures a recumbent figure in serene repose, measuring just 1¼ inches high and 4¼ inches long. Nephrite jade, prized for its toughness and luminous translucency, was a material of imperial prestige in ancient China, often reserved for ritual objects and elite burials. The unknown artisan's skill shines in the subtle modeling of the pig's plump form, curly tail, and alert ears, achieved through precise incision and polishing techniques that highlight the stone's natural veining. Pigs held practical a...