Untitled

Unknown

15th century · Ivory with tin beads and palm-leaf fibers · Asian Art

An instrument of literati dandyism in Chinese culture, the fly whisk is often depicted in early paintings and decorative arts, however, few actual examples are preserved. The hexagonal, tinted ivory handle of this piece is decorated with two rows of lotus petals. The macramé ferrule is edged with copper wire and has a raised design of an attenuated dragon chasing a tin pearl.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Ivory with tin beads and palm-leaf fibers

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2004