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13th-century stone carving presents capital’s majesty
Updated: May 7, 2024
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Check out this exquisite stone carving from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), bearing witness to the history of Beijing as the imperial capital since the late 13th century. It features a four-lobed reserved panel in the center, embellished with a pair of phoenixes playing with a pearl against intertwining branch motifs. Below them, two qilins are frolicking and chasing each other against a backdrop of rolling waves.
With an elegant and majestic composition, the stone carving was unearthed in Beijing in 1966. It is believed to have adorned the halls of the imperial palace or royal gardens. Collection: National Museum of China.
