Made of a large flat slab of multi-colored green Nephrite Jade with a small hole for suspension. Jade Axe blades are known from very early periods in China. They tend to be largely unadorned with the exception of a central hole for fixing the piece onto a wooden handle. According to Jessica Rawson, renowned Chinese Jade expert and author, “Notches appear first on axes in the late Neolithic period, specifically in the Longshan culture of Shandong Province.”  The fact that this blade has notches indicates it was intended for 'Ceremonial use only'. Late Shang Dynasty (ca. 1,200 - 1,000 B.C.)  Measures 6" tall x 5 1/4" wide x 1/8" thick. Weighs 236 Grams.