Dating to the 3rd millennium BC this altered nephrite jade pectoral of the Liangzhu culture was made before the written word in China. This rare neolithic hand carved pendant would once have been a celadon green color across the whole. The natural color of the nephrite has altered to the complex shades and textures we see today over almost five thousand years years of burial. In minute places we can still see the unaltered celadon color of the nephrite. Close examination shows erosion, bite holes, wrinkles, natural suffusion and exposed crystal planes in the nephrite. These complex features being beautiful to any collector who appreciates the antiquity of this exceptionally rare jade. They are clearly the product only of many thousands of years of alteration and not a recent creation in imitation of the original neolithic jade from this culture. The carving of the beast face is lovely too. We can see clearly the skill and time involved to accomplish this so many thousands of years ago. Each curved line consists of straight lines joined together so they form a curve visually. The polish of the whole pectoral has a silk feel to it as you touch it consistent with the polishing techniques of the ancients cultures of neolithic China which remain a mystery even today. It measures approximately 3 13/16" wide by 2 7/17" tall by 3/8" thick (97mm x 62mm x 10mm). This ancient jade carving has a sense of closeness and respect of the natural world. My words here don't do justice to the rarity of this piece. Thanking you for your interest and time. Please view our other lots in this auction of Chinese Antiques,Artifacts and Antiquities. This Lot has been curated by experienced professional Gemologists, Antique Dealers and Appraisers. Please note this Lot has a reserve, a reserve is a minimum amount the seller will accept. The reserve is more than the starting bid but less than the high estimate. Once the reserve is met then the highest bid will win the Lot. Bidders especially absentee bidders are advised to place their maximum bid to have the best chance of winning the Lot.

Good condition the photos form part of this listing measurements are approximate