toggle BM-2022-3034.249

Period:Han dynasty Production date:2ndC BC-2ndC AD
Materials:jade
Technique:carved, incised,
Subjects:mammal (bear)
Dimensions:Height: 4.20 centimetres Width: 3.90 centimetres

Description:
Fine and extremely rare jade toggle in the form of a bear stylistically identical to the type found in bronze which were usually the feet for vessels, both bronze and lacquer.
IMG


Comments:This small piece with a flat back is carved on the front as a crouching or seated bear. It sits upright on its rear paws and has a long pointed open jaw and a rounded belly. Deeply carved curved lines define the head and are drawn into small rounded ears. Eyes are rendered as small incised circles. The two forearms and paws hang down towards the rear legs, and claws are indicated by incised lines that have been worn smooth over time. The piece is pierced and perhaps served as a toggle; alternatively, it may have been framed in bronze, as part of a larger object. The surface of the densely opaque stone is glossy and softly smooth to the touch. In shape, the carving is very like small, cast gilt-bronze fittings, used both as small sculptures and as the supports for lacquer vessels of the type known as zun. A similar bear-shaped jade in in the Peony Collection. Both jades resemble ceramic bear figures of Western Han date. Bears seem to have been very popular figures in the Han zoomorphic repertoire, but were little used thereafter. See Rawson 1995, p.359, cat.no.26.3.