Serpent-form Fan Handle(?)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
900–1519
This carved pale green jade object is identified as a possible serpent-form fan handle originating from the Mixtec culture of Central Mexico. Dated between 900 and 1519, the piece features an elongated cylindrical form culminating at one end in the carved head of a serpent with an open mouth and defined eye. Along the cylindrical shaft, flowing spiral or undulating scroll motifs are carved in low relief, terminating near a slightly tapered banded section at the opposite end.
The carving measures 10.5 cm in length and 2 cm in width, with a recorded diameter of 1.9 cm. Rendered in pale green jade, the surface displays subtle natural tonal variations and linear incisions delineating the creature's features and decorative body patterns. No signatures, maker's marks, or inscriptions are noted in the museum record.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The object was acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1990 as a bequest from James C. and Florence C. Gruener.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- pale green jade
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.); Overall: 10.5 x 2 cm (4 1/8 x 13/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Culture recorded
- Central Mexico, Mixtec
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Cleveland Museum of Art collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Serpent-form Fan Handle(?)
- Museum object number
- 1990.197
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.