Originally listed at $1,200...

East Asia, China, Hongshan to Longshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3500 to 1900 BCE. A fine neolithic nephrite jade implement or pendant of a rectangular form, rounded corners, and an incredibly thin profile- when illuminated from behind the stone glows due to the sheerness of the stone! The coloration is a lovely hue of mottled dark gray-blue, pale olive, and beige tones. A central perforation and 2 petite suspension holes are drilled through the nephrite to serve as a pectoral or pendant. Carvings known as bi discs are similar to this piece, although bi discs are characteristically circular with a wide central aperture. This square example is uncommon but may have served a similar function as the bi discs used as burial goods. Size: 2.8" W x 2.1" H (7.1 cm x 5.3 cm)

A similar piece, both in size and style, is illustrated by Jessica Rawson in her seminal book "Chinese Jade From the Neolithic to the Qing" (British Museum press, 1995) page 113. The description of that piece notes as follows: "The bi discs were particularly carefully made, with a lens-shaped cross-section. Most are slightly squared, rather than simply circular, and they often have two holes on the upper edge for suspension."

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Arts du Monde, imported into the US prior to 2000

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#173074

Minor surface wear, otherwise intact and excellent with light mineral deposits in recessed drill holes.