Chinese zodiac figure, snake

13th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207

By the late Jin and Yuan dynasties, the twelve animals of the zodiac were scarcely included in burials. They were often depicted with exaggerated physical features; their heads are disproportionately large and their expressions are playful and mischievous, like cartoon figures. The snake, for example, smirks and rolls its bulging eyes as it raises its head above its coiled body.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

金/元陶生肖蛇俑
Title: Chinese zodiac figure, snake
Period: Jin (1115–1234) to Yuan dynasty (1279–1368)
Date: 13th century
Culture: China
Medium: Grey earthenware with pigment
Dimensions: H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); W. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Classification: Tomb Pottery
Credit Line: Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber, 1994
Object Number: 1994.605.38
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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