East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Dawenkou to Longshan culture, ca. 3000 to 1900 BCE. This is a massive and astounding nephrite jade blade with an elongated trapezoidal shape, the parallel edges flaring outward to a cutting edge. The butt end has a large circular piercing for suspension or additional ornamentation. The stone is absolutely stunning with dark green and beige black veining that glows when illuminated from behind, highlighting the skill of the artisan who made such a special blade. Flat axe blades like this one were made to be put into an elite tomb alongside other luxury items. Size: 4.5" L x 0.2" W x 13.65" H (11.4 cm x 0.5 cm x 34.7 cm)

Chinese art has incorporated jade since the Neolithic period; quarries for nephrite, the formal name for jade, have been found in modern-day southern Mongolia that date to ca. 4000 BCE. The stone was prized for its hardness, its beautiful coloration (with a milky white being the most desired), and its durability. By the third millennium BCE, we know that jade had also come to be associated with immortality. Jade was used to make everything from everyday household objects and decoration to the ceremonial suits in which Han dynasty emperors were buried - with the belief that jade would preserve the body and the soul for eternity.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Fine Asian Treasures, Meilu Dong collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2011

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#168120

Chips and loss to corners near pierced end. Minor nicks and chips to peripheries. Smooth, polished surface and gorgeous coloration.