Jade-and-Gold Comb
东汉嵌玉金梳
A miniature Eastern Han hair comb: a slab of pale nephrite jade clipped into a tracery of granulated gold work depicting two confronted dragons among clouds. A jewel built for an aristocratic woman's coiffure.
Object Facts
- Period
- Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
- Date
- 1st–2nd century
- Medium
- Nephrite jade and gold
- Dimensions
- H. 5.1 cm; L. 7.6 cm
- Held by
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, USA - Accession
- 2004.322
Purchase, The Rosenkranz Foundation and Shelby White Gifts, 2004
Why it matters
Shows the moment when Han luxury arts fused two craft traditions: indigenous jade carving and the granulation gold-work that arrived along the Silk Road from the Hellenistic world. The pairing is uncharacteristic of pre-Han China and characteristically Han in its outward-looking syncretism.
How it travelled
Surfaced on the international market in the late 20th century, almost certainly from a tomb excavation in Hebei or Henan. Acquired by the Met in 2004 with funding from the Rosenkranz Foundation and the collector Shelby White.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see Jade-and-Gold Comb?+
Jade-and-Gold Comb is held by the The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. Accession number 2004.322. Online catalogue record: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/72544.
When was Jade-and-Gold Comb created?+
Jade-and-Gold Comb dates to 1st–2nd century, during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220).
What is Jade-and-Gold Comb made of?+
Jade-and-Gold Comb is a hair comb executed in nephrite jade and gold, measuring H. 5.1 cm; L. 7.6 cm.
How did Jade-and-Gold Comb end up at the The Met?+
Surfaced on the international market in the late 20th century, almost certainly from a tomb excavation in Hebei or Henan. Acquired by the Met in 2004 with funding from the Rosenkranz Foundation and the collector Shelby White.
Can I reuse the photograph of Jade-and-Gold Comb?+
Yes. The The Met has released the image under Creative Commons Zero (CC0), so it is free for any use, commercial or non-commercial, with no attribution required (though attribution is appreciated).
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