Untitled

Unknown

19th century · Jade (jadeite) · Asian Art

According to myth, Xiwangmu, the queen mother of the west, had an orchard producing peaches that granted immortality, and the peach thus became a symbol of long life. The outer surface of this peach-shaped cup features a branch with leaves and blossoms, giving the impression that the fruit is still attached to an otherworldly tree. The cup's rim is enhanced with a tiny bat (fu), a pun with the word for blessings. (From Longevity in Chinese Art)

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Jade (jadeite)

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902