山形奇石|Soaring Peak
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Sea-green hornblende with yellow markings; carved wood stand
Dimensions
Overall (with base): H. 28 1/2 in. (72.4 cm); W. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); D. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Richard Rosenblum Family, 2009
Accession Number
2009.512.2a–c
Art Historical Context
Behold *Soaring Peak* (山形奇石), a captivating 18th-century sculpture from Qing dynasty (16441911). Crafted lustrous sea-green hornblende—a mineral prized for its jade-like translucency and subtle yellow markings—this naturally evocative stone rises dramatically on a finely carved wooden stand. Measuring 28½ inches tall overall, it mimics the rugged majesty of a mountain peak, inviting viewers to ponder the harmony between nature and art. In Qing-era China, such *gongshi* (scholar's rocks) were treasured by literati and collectors for their ability to capture the sublime essence of landscapes in...