Artwork preview

Lion and cub

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pale green jade sculpture of a recumbent lion and cub. The larger lion lies on its stomach with its head turned to the right; it has a large mane on the back of its head and around its neck, depicted in textured detail. The mane features rounded bumps extending down the back of the neck and along the spine. The lion's body is smooth with wrinkles on the neck and detailed paws. Its mouth is slightly open. The smaller cub is on the left, leaning on its front legs. It faces right toward the lion, its head raised with its paws on the ground. It appears to have a collarbone area and detailed paws. The sculpture rests on a black background with a slight shadow underneath it.

Artwork Details

Date
18th century
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Culture
China
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette