This neolithic or archaic-style jade artifact, possibly from the pre-dynastic Dawenkou culture (4500–2700 bce) in Shandong Province in eastern China is a stylized deer totem with C-dragon. Jade was used as early as the fifth millennium BCE for making personal ornaments and small animal sculptures. In early Chinese art, animal motifs are generally either naturalistic or highly stylized – but in both cases, the artist always appears to have developed a close intimacy with the animals. Although we do not know the exact meaning of animal motifs, the context of similar finds suggests that these creatures were part of the religious or shamanic system. This sculpture is 8 inches tall, 3-1/4 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.

The sculpture is sound with no noted defects. The nephrite exhibits surface alteration. From a private collection, this artifact is clean, however will be sold without further restoration (as is