清 瑪瑙俏色仙鶴水滴|Water dropper in the shape of a crane

Unknown

18th century · Agate · Asian Art

A crane holding a branch of peaches symbolizes longevity. The crane is believed to live for more than a thousand years and has been associated with immortals who would ride on its back. The peach is understood to have more potent life-extending power. In Chinese legend, the fruit grows on sacred trees in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West and ripens every three thousand years; a person who eats it will live forever.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Agate

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902