Hongshan culture, c.3500-3000 BC
Hongshan ornaments were either carved in naturalistic
forms, such as the type illustrated in the previous entry,
or in highly abstract shapes, as the pendants presented
here and in entry no.71. This curious shape is an exclusive
creation of the Hongshan culture and has no equivalent
amongst the artefacts crafted by other jade-using
societies of Neolithic China. Its Chinese name, gou yun
or ‘hooked-cloud’ is inspired by the abstract form of
these ornaments which usually have one or two central,
spiraling motifs from which four hooked protuberances
extend outwards. Although these pendants were carved
from thin slabs of jade, the fine grooves used to stress all
the details of the carving somehow lessen their flattened
appearance and give the ‘hooked-cloud’ ornaments
an almost sculptural look. The jades were thoroughly
and accurately polished during the final phases of the
carving process, thus conferring a unique feeling to these
ornaments and making them extremely pleasant to wear.
The fine and translucent jade is pale green in colour, with
inclusions taking the form of diffused light brown areas
and dark speckles. The various gradations of colour in the
jade and the mix between translucent and opaque areas
make this object particularly appealing when observed
against the light. The suspension hole pierced at the top
is perfectly centered and the pendant emits a nice sound
when struck.
For related examples and further discussion of these
ornaments, refer to the previous catalogues in this series:
Galerie Zacke, Archaische und Antike Jaden aus China,
vol.1 no.3; vol. 2 nos. 7 and 8; vol.3 n o.3 and vol.4 no.3.
SIZE 11,5 x 7,5 CM
From an Austro-Hungarian collection.
?????? - ????, ???35??-?30??