Landscape with figures, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 18th century. Jade (nephrite). H. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); L. 19 5/8 in. (49.8 cm). Bequest of Jacob Ruppert, 1939; 39.65.22a, b © 2000–2017 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This sculpture exploits the otherworldly luminescence of jade to depict a landscape beyond the reach of mere mortals. In the foreground, by a rushing river, an aging scholar communes with a crane, the frequent companion of Daoists and hermits.