Artwork preview

Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Twelve small, light green jade figurines arranged in three rows of four. The figurines depict animals from the Chinese zodiac. They are seated and each holds an object. The animals, from left to right and top to bottom, are: a rat holding an object, an ox with horns holding an object, a tiger, a rabbit with long ears holding an object, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a goat, a monkey, a rooster, a dog, and a pig. The figurines have a smooth, shiny surface and appear to be made of a single piece of jade. The background is dark gray.

Artwork Details

Date
18th–19th century
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 480 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette