Sample of Smoky Quartz
Unknown Artist
20th century
Medium
Quartz
Dimensions
H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); L. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification
Hardstone
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Joan Hartman-Goldsmith, 1981
Accession Number
1981.296.67
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Behold this exquisite *Sample of Smoky Quartz a petite treasure from 20th-century, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Asian Art department Measuring just 1 inch high, 1¼ inches wide, and inches long, this natural quartz specimen captivates with its smoky translucent hues—ranging from warm browns to deeper charcoals—formed by natural irradiation within the earth. As a hardstone, it exemplifies the raw beauty prized in Chinese mineralogy, where quartz varieties have long been revered for their clarity and durability. In Chinese culture, hardstones like smoky quartz held profound significance, often serving as raw material for intricate carvings, seals, and ornamental objects symbolizing purity and longevity. Though this unadorned sample remains in its natural state, it reflects a deep-seated artistic tradition of appreciating gemstones' inherent forms, bridging geology and aesthetics. Collected and gifted by Joan Hartman-Goldsmith in 1981, it invites us to ponder the subtle artistry of nature itself. Step closer and let its subtle glow transport you to ancient appreciation for the earth's hidden gems— a reminder that true beauty often lies in simplicity.