Tides of the Centuries

D. X. Ross, Tides of the Centuries, 1991`, agate, carved jade, silver, gold, and dentalia, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Donald Freeman Mahan, 1996.66, © 1990, D.X. Ross
D. X. Ross, Tides of the Centuries, 1991`, agate, carved jade, silver, gold, and dentalia, 6 5⁄8 x 2 1⁄2 x 5⁄8 in. (16.9 x 6.4 x 1.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Donald Freeman Mahan, 1996.66, © 1990, D.X. Ross

Artwork Details

Title
Tides of the Centuries
Artist
Date
1991`
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
6 5⁄8 x 2 1⁄2 x 5⁄8 in. (16.9 x 6.4 x 1.7 cm.)
Copyright
© 1990, D.X. Ross
Credit Line
Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp in honor of Donald Freeman Mahan
Mediums
Mediums Description
agate, carved jade, silver, gold, and dentalia
Classifications
Object Number
1996.66
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.66

Artwork Description

In Tides of the Centuries, D. X. Ross juxtaposes unrelated materials to enhance their individual characteristics. The title refers to objects that have been washing ashore for centuries. The cowry shell and the "jellyfish" form at the top of the piece remind us of creatures swimming in the sea, while the carved jade leaf symbolizes the plants and trees that grow on land.

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Joseph Cornell, Untitled (Rorschach drawing), n.d., drawing, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, 1991.155.408
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Joseph Cornell, Bonjour M. Balzac (Peau de Chagrin), 1971, collage, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, 1991.155.309
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Artist
Date1971
collage
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Joseph Cornell, Untitled (white cockatoo and other birds), 1969-1971, collage, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, 1991.155.297
Untitled (white cockatoo and other birds)
Artist
Date1969-1971
collage
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