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Jade Sculpture: Sage King Yu Controlling the Flood - View 3

The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum
Beijing, China

This sculpture of Yu the Great (also known as Sage King Yu) subduing the flood is crafted from jade from Mount Mileta in Hetian, Xinjiang. Resting on a bronze pedestal with gold inlay, the jade sculpture displays a high mountain with steep cliffs, ancient trees, caves, and streams. The work portrays the legendary scene in which Yu the Great subdued the raging deluge. Yu the Great is shown halfway up the mountain; his laborers work with hammers, axes, and levers in an attempt to redirect the flow of water. Processed and completed using the natural shape of the jade, this rarity is a treasure of Chinese sculpture.

full view of the item (right hand side)

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  • Title: Jade Sculpture: Sage King Yu Controlling the Flood - View 3
  • Physical Dimensions: height: 224 cm, width: 96 cm; bronze pedestal: height: 60 cm, weight: approx. 5,330 kg
  • Provenance: Qing imperial collection
  • Type: jade and precious stones
  • Dynasty: Qianlong reign (1736-1795), Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
The Palace Museum

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