H x W x D: 3.9 × 4.8 × 2.3 cm (1 9/16 × 1 7/8 × 7/8 in)
Type:
Jewelry and Ornament
Origin:
Anyang, probably Henan province, China
Date:
ca. 1250-1050 BCE
Period:
Late Shang dynasty, Anyang period
Description:
The mask appears to depict a horned owl. The frontal aspect is in the full round; the back is concave and plain. Single line decor provides the details, while deep notches give an openwork feeling. A hole under the beak is drilled from both sides. The color of the stone is green and brown, with cream calcification. (Calcification, spots to powder; few nicks in edges top and bottom; soil and cinnabar adhere.)
Collection:
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History:
Anyang: China's Ancient City of Kings (February 25, 2023 to April 28, 2024)
Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Jades (October 1, 1989 - September 10, 1990)
In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
Topic:
Anyang period, Late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300 - 1050 BCE) Search this
Late Neolithic period (ca. 5000 - ca. 1700 BCE) Search this
