Green stone sculpture of a seated duck, its legs tucked under its body and its mouth holding a fish, looking away from the viewer. The duck’s feathers resemble leaves.
Green stone sculpture of a seated duck in profile, its legs tucked under its body and its mouth holding a fish, looking towards the viewer. The duck’s feathers resemble leaves.
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Unknown Maker, Chinese

Duck

Maker

Unknown Maker, Chinese

Culture

Chinese

Title

Duck

Period

Qing Dynasty

Year

1800s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

malachite (mineral)

Geography

Origin: China

Dimensions

8.5 x 5.5 cm (3 3/8 x 2 3/16 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of John M. Crawford, Jr.

Object Number

1989.110.73

Type

Publications

Exhibition History

Being and Believing in the Natural World
Perspectives from the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, and Indigenous North America
Oct 22, 2022 – Jun 04, 2023

Label copy

Skillfully worked jade objects, such as the knife and disc in the case at left, have been found in elite tombs in China. Thousands of years ago, they likely held ceremonial meaning. Vibrant stones like malachite, said to capture the luminosity of the sun and moon, were also treasured in China. 

Ancient Greeks loved gold jewelry, often incorporating plant and animal motifs in their designs. They also transformed readily available materials into glass beads for necklaces. 

Since ancient times, Indigenous people in what is now the Southwest US have mined turquoise. Diné people believe turquoise provides spiritual protection. 

—WC | GB | SB

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Chinese
Duck, 1800s
Malachite
8.5 x 5.5 cm (3 3/8 x 2 3/16 inches)
Bequest of John M. Crawford, Jr. 1989.110.73

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