Description: Rare Archaic Museum Quality Chinese Tomb Jade Ornament, Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), with a dragon motif. This unearthed artifact is carved in the shape of a bell with a dragon atop. Translucent and shiny light green jade with russet and white areas, grey beige inclusions and areas of opaque white-colored calcification; carved as a hollow crown or bell with a Chinese dragon handle.

Carving Style & Design: Each side of the body of the artifact is carved in low relief using the decreasing contour style (technique of carving down a surface to show the raising effect), forming a dragon face (could possibly be the spirit face), surrounded by the typical scroll-like clouds and other designs. The finely engraved artifact also includes thinly incised lines to form rope-like designed with 45 degree angled parallel lines, usually found in only finer authentic Zhou period jade carvings.

Approx. Size: 3.25" H x 1.85" W (82.4 mm x 47 mm); Weight: 3.7 oz (104 g).

Provenance: Museum Deaccession, prior noted as Ex. David David-Weill Collection.

Condition: Very good museum quality unearthed artifact with natural calcification and differential weathering.