Carved jade bead, Hongshan culture

Carved jade of a dark greyish-green hue. The piece is notable for its extensive area of orange-toned patina, or ‘skin’, resulting from its age. It has a slightly irregular spindle-shaped form, with a wide transverse hole for use as a pendant. Hongshan culture (c. 4700–2900 BC) or later.

 Size: 15 x 32 mm

 Weight: 13 g