Brush washer in the shape of lotus leaf with chi dragons, Southern Song (1127–1279)–Yuan (1271–1368) dynasty, 12th–14th century. Jade (nephrite). H. 5.7 cm; W. 17.1 cm; D. 7 cm. Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015, 2015.500.5.6. © 2000–2024 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Two dragons with felinelike heads, known as chi, decorate the ends of this brush washer, which is carved from an opaque piece of white nephrite. Brown and yellow inclusions give the work an aged appearance. Historical records indicate that variegated jade was highly valued from the twelfth to the fourteenth century.