Carved jade bead, Hongshan culture

Carved jade bead, made of pale green nephrite with a profuse reddish-ochre patina. The piece has an irregular cylindrical shape with a longitudinal perforation, characteristic of archaic lapidary work, for use as an ornament or amulet. Hongshan culture (approx. 4700–2900 BC) or later.

Size: 3.4 x 1.9 x 1.6 cm

Weight: 17.6 g