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Fly Whisk

15th century
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fly Whisk
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Ivory with tin beads and palm-leaf fibers
  • Dimensions: Overall with handle and whisk: W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); L. 35 in. (88.9 cm)
    Ivory handle: W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); L. 10 3/8 in. (26.4 cm)
    Storage Box: 2 7/8 x 41 3/8 x 6 in. (7.3 x 105.1 x 15.2 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.5
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Jar with dragon , Porcelain painted with cobalt blue under transparent glaze (Jingdezhen ware), China

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Jar with carp in lotus pond, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
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