Ornament
Date18th-19th century
Maker
Chinese
Label TextThis small ornament in the form of three rams exemplifies the obscure origins of many auspicious motifs in Chinese art. Rams, goats and sheep are all called yang in Chinese, which is a homophone for the positive male force, yang, the opposite of yin. The three male lines correspond to heaven, and above them are three female lines, symbolizing earth.
Object number33.1393
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art, May 23, 2009 - February 21, 2010Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions1 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1in. (4.4 x 4.4 x 2.5cm)
MediumNephrite
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