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Meat-shaped Stone - Relic
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Meat-shaped Stone

description Meat-shaped Stone Overview

This jasper sculpture, known as the Meat-shaped Stone, dates from the Qing Dynasty and is housed within Taiwan’s National Palace Museum. Crafted from translucent jasper, it gained attention for its uncanny resemblance to a cooked piece of braised pork – a popular dish during that period. The carving reflects the refined tastes of the Qing court and is appreciated by art historians and those studying Chinese sculpture and cultural practices of the time.

help Meat-shaped Stone FAQ

What exactly is the Meat-shaped Stone?

It is a piece of banded jasper that has been cleverly carved and dyed by Qing dynasty artisans. The natural layers of the stone were utilized to perfectly mimic the look of Dongpo pork, a famous Chinese braised pork belly dish.

Where can the Meat-shaped Stone be viewed?

It is one of the most famous attractions at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan. Millions of visitors travel to the museum specifically to admire the artifact's hyper-realistic, mouth-watering craftsmanship.

Is the Meat-shaped Stone displayed alongside any other famous artifacts?

Yes, it is famously exhibited alongside the Jadeite Cabbage, another incredibly realistic Qing dynasty carving. Together, these two artifacts are widely considered the most popular and culturally significant masterpieces in the entire museum's collection.

How did artisans make the stone look like cooked meat?

The stone's natural, porous layers were intricately utilized to mimic skin, fat, and lean meat. The artisan then dyed the top layer using special mineral pigments to look exactly like soy sauce, layering the texture to simulate a braised finish.

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