Artwork preview

Vase in the shape of a heavenly rooster

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sculpture depicts a green jade vase in the shape of a rooster. The jade is carved into the form of a rooster with spread wings. A long curved tail extends to the right and curls up. The body of the rooster slopes in to form a short neck that opens into a wide vase-like form, which is topped with a small jade finial. A curved jade handle is on one side. The bird's head faces to the left and is carved with gold inlay eyes. The sculpture sits on a small carved wooden stand with a flat rectangular top. The top and legs of the stand are ornately carved. The background fades from dark to light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
18th–19th century
Medium:
Jade (nephrite)
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
468 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette