East Asia, China, Shang Dynasty, ca. 16th to 11th century BCE.A splendid and quite sizable celt, hand-carved from nephrite jade to present a rectangular form with tapered edges with a pair of drilled holes at the center. Flat axe blades like this one were made to be put into an elite tomb alongside other luxury items. This smooth stone boasts deep natural hues of charcoal gray, burnt umber, and olive with lovely areas of veining. Size: 8.5" L x 2.4" W (21.6 cm x 6.1 cm)

Yu, the Chinese word for jade/nephrite, is also an idea - of a steadfastness and reliability, mirrored in the abrasion techniques required to make these intricate works of art. Yu is also not bound by the mineralogical definition of jade - over the millennia that it has been carved in China, the people have had varying access to sources of jade and nephrite - but is rather a wider term for hard stone. From the Neolithic period forward, the Chinese buried jade with the dead, often broken or placed ceremonially on the body; they also used it in life for performing rituals.

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

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#177759

Some nicks and small chips to periphery and one side with natural, stable fissures to stone. Chipping to one corner. Otherwise, intact and excellent with smooth surfaces.