Jade ‘Guī’ ceremonial blade with carving, Shang Dynasty

The ritual blade carved from jade is elongated, flat and symmetrical in shape, with a trapezoidal cross-section that progressively widens towards the centre and then tapers to a subtly tapering apex. The upper end is straight and robust, with a central circular perforation. The central area is delicately decorated with incised and openwork motifs in the form of mythological creatures in an abstract style. The transition between the decorated part and the lower leaf is marked by three deeply incised parallel lines. The rest of the body is plain and undecorated, with a slight longitudinal curvature. The surface of the jade, olive-green with white veins, has a patina of reddish and ochre tones. Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC) or later.

Size: 39 x 0.4 x 7.5 cm

Weight: 210 g

Provenance:

- Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980