Jade ceremonial axe 'Taotie', Liangzhu Culture

A large ritual axe carved from dark-coloured jade with a white patina and ochre veins. The piece has a flat, robust body with an irregular trapezoidal shape and rounded edges, one of which forms a slight semi-circular curvature, possibly corresponding to the blade. A circular perforation runs through one of the short ends, possibly allowing it to be attached. On the upper left-hand side of the obverse is an incised decoration depicting a Taotie mask with prominent eyes, curved eyebrows, schematic maw and finely engraved spiral lines. The surface has been polished, although it retains areas of erosion and crystallisation typical of its age. Liangzhu culture (c. 3300-2300 BC) or later.

Size: 23.5 x 1.3 x 17.2 cm

Weight: 1144 g

Provenance:

- Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980