Jade. China, Neolithic Liangzhu Culture, approx. 3300 to 2200 BC
Rare beautifully matured cong, which four thousand years of storage under the earth has lent this piece an unusual noble violet-grey tone. Additionally, a very finely grained white veining is also at play here - it appears on one side in more dense compactness. The cong is three-leveled. This ritual object from the burial cult offers the "face of god" in relief on outer side: Large rimmed eyes as oval areas, nose and mouth (creased forehead is same shape as mouth). One must see the face over the edges, not only at one side – thus 12 faces are visible! Large inner drilling (at that time extremely time consuming) with the usual step. Some weathering on ends.
Note: The huge area of the Liangzhu Culture with many burial places is situated between Daihu (Big Lake, not far from Shanghai) and the port city of Hangzhou.
In the book Liangzhu Wenhua Yuqi (Shanghai 1989; Nrn. 44 to 54) are many congs, also this size, as well as similar mineral colour and such minor degree of weathering. The publication shows how extremely different this long term weathering can affect jade! In Orientations (Chinese Jade, 1983 - 1996) is „An Essay on Cong“ by K. C. Chang recommended reading (burial site view on page 73).HEIGHT 18 CM, DIAM. 6,7 CM, DRILLING 5,2 CM
This jade was examined by Univ. Prof. Filippo Salviati, declared to be authentic, furthermore carefully and critically judged according to their time of origin. Salviati teaches Chinese art in the department of Orientalism at the University of “La Sapienza“ in Rome and is one of the most renowned jade experts.