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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1943.50.480
Title
Truncated Jade Cone with Two 'Taotie' Masks
Classification
Ritual Implements
Work Type
ornament
Date
16th cent. BCE - 8th cent. BCE
Places
Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period
Shang dynasty (c. 1600-c. 1050 BCE) to Western Zhou period (c. 1050-771 BCE)
Culture
Chinese
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/204850

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Highly translucent, beatiful sea-green nephrite with sparse, dark brown markings
Dimensions
4.8 x 3.5 cm (1 7/8 x 1 3/8 in.)
unspecified: 71 g

Published Text

Catalogue
Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
Authors
Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber
Publisher
Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975)

Catalogue entry no. 181 by Max Loehr:

181 Truncated Cone with Two T’ao-t’ieh Masks
Highly translucent, beautiful sea-green jade with sparse, dark brown markings. The cone widens toward an oval cross-section at the top, while the bottom is circular. A fairly wide perforation, drilled from both ends, shows surprisingly irregular edges around each opening. Two t’ao-t’ieh masks set back to back occupy the full height of the cone. They are executed in low relief and are distinguished by tall, pointed horns; diamonds beneath the horns; furrowed eyebrows; rectangular eyes; and scales adjoining the brows. Late Shang.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop
Accession Year
1943
Object Number
1943.50.480
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Publication History

  • Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, Fogg Art Museum, 1975)., cat. no. 181, p. 140
  • Jenny So, Early Chinese Jades in the Harvard Art Museums (Cambridge, MA, 2019), p. 134, fig. 1

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu