Artwork preview

Ceremonial Axe

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Ceremonial Axe by an unknown artist shows a curved, flat stone object with a rounded bottom edge and a flat top. The object features a small animal on top facing left and two handles on either side of the top edge; handles are curved and have scroll-like designs. The object has a raised design around the middle; the design features rows of bumps. A symbol is positioned near the top center. The number "637" is written on the front.

Artwork details

Medium:
Nephrite, light sage green touched with russet pear leaf
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
599 × 457 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette