Artwork preview

Ink cake with cyclical imagery

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Black ink cake with cyclical imagery by unknown artist. The ink cake is round and flat with a gold border around the edge. The border is made up of small, interlocking squares. In the center of the ink cake is a circular design with a tree-like figure. Surrounding the center are 12 animal figures. The animals appear to be in a cyclical pattern, possibly representing the 12-year cycle. The background of the image is light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
late 19th–early 20th century
Medium:
Ink with gold
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
600 × 450 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette