East Asia, northeast China, West Liao river basin, Neolithic period, Hongshan culture, ca. 4700 to 2900 BCE. A stunning nephrite jade amulet, hand-carved in the form of a fantastical supernatural being, and boasting natural, mottled hues of dark green and caramel. This beast is commonly shown in ancient Chinese jades and was certainly used as a talisman to ward off evil. Hunched over with spiraling limbs, the stylized figure presents a giant head with bulging eyes, flared nostrils, and full lips, all crowned by a sizable suspension loop. For many years, scholars believed that Chinese civilization began in the Yellow River valley, but now we know that there were actually earlier cultures both north and south of this region. The Hongshan culture, comprised of a group of Neolithic peoples who lived in the far northeast, in what is modern-day Liaoning province and Inner Mongolia, created a sophisticated society and erected elaborate ceremonial sites that oftentimes included valuable works like this carved jade pendant! Size: 2.5" L x 1.3" W (6.4 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995

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#180800

Some light surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise intact and excellent with nice preservation of detail. Wearable as a pendant.