**First Time At Auction**

China, late Neolithic, Liangzhu period to Shang Dynasty, ca. 2500 to 1046 BCE. A stunning ritual item known as a "cong" that is hand-carved from a greenstone. The rectangular form features layered, relatively angular edges incised with delicate linear and spiraling motifs, and the circular main body features a wide central hole that was drilled inwards from both sides. The asymmetrical drill markings can still be seen within the body to show exactly how this cong was formed. The meticulous carving process has also created incredibly smooth surfaces across the entirety of the artifact. Stone items like this one formed part of the decoration of these tombs and seem to have been reserved for the most elite people in society, and clearly had great significance, but meaning and purpose of congs remains a mystery. Size: 4.25" Diameter x 5.75" H (10.8 cm x 14.6 cm)

During the Shang dynasty, members of the royalty were accompanied in the afterlife by their bronzes, ceramics, weapons, amulets, and stone carvings such as this cong. The funerary function of congs like this example probably had a religious connotation. Some scholars of Chinese Neolithic history and anthropology posit that the cong is "based on the ancient Chinese notion that earth was square and heaven round, while the hole in the object represents the passage connecting heaven and earth." (Weichao, Yu. "A Journey into China's Antiquity - Volume 1: Palaeolithic Age - Spring and Autumn Period." National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing, China, 1997, p. 80)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Arts Du Monde, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#176267

Several chips and nicks to surface, otherwise intact and excellent condition.