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Fisherman, snipe and, clam
Fisherman, snipe and, clam

Fisherman, snipe and, clam

Place of Origin
  • China
Date1900-1950
MaterialsIvory
DimensionsH. 4 1/8 in x W. 3 1/2 in x D. 2 1/8 in, H. 10.5 cm x W. 8.9 cm x D. 5.4 cm
Credit LineBequest of Drs. Ben and A. Jess Shenson
Object numberF2002.37.9
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information

民國玟牙漁人得利擺件

HIDDEN MEANING: The fisherman profits [from the situation] (yuren deli 漁人得利

This ivory carving illustrates a legend from the Warring States period (approx. 480–221 BCE). While sunning itself on the sand, a clam was seized by a snipe, which tried to eat it. The clam slammed its shell shut, refusing to let the snipe go. A fisherman who happened to be walking by happily took both of them away. This motif can be interpreted as "profit reaped by a third party."