Draft catalogue entry (no. 124) for S2012.9.317 for the catalogue of the Singer collection (1970--1990); by Wu Tung [Wu Tong] 吳同
Alligator or Lizard
Shang 商 dynasty, ca. 1200--1050 BCE
Jade
Length 12.3 cm (4 7/8 in)
This jade creature with notched tail probably is inspired by a river reptile such as an alligator or lizard. The underside of the jade is green and the back is light brown. A hole is drilled through the head. The piece is almost identical to the alligator depicted on the side of a Shang 商 bronze vessel found at Shilou 石樓, near the Yellow River 黃河 in western Shanxi 山西 province. [1] The design and carving style are typical of the late Shang 商 period. It is especially similar to a jade bird unearthed from Tomb 5 at Xiaotun 小屯, Henan 河南 province. [2] A double line is engraved on both pieces from the front, while the back is delineated with a single line.
Published: Animal Forms: Animal Forms in Chinese Art (New York: Staten Island Museum, 1962), cat. 7; Max Loehr, Relics of Ancient China: From the Collection of Dr. Paul Singer (New York: Asia Society, 1965), cat. 29.
[1] Xie Qingshan 謝青山 and Yang Shaoshun 楊紹舜, "Shanxi Luliang xian shilou zhen you faxian tongqi 山西呂梁縣石樓鎮又發現銅器," Wenwu 文物 1960.7, p. 51.
[2] Zhongguo kexueyuan kaogu yanjiusuo Anyang gongzuo dui 中國科學院考古研究所安陽工作隊, "Anyang Yinxu wuhao mu de fajue 安陽殷墟五號墓的發掘," Kaogu xuebao 考古學報 1977.2, pl. 33: 5.
Usage conditions apply
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.