Chinese Red Jade Amulet of a Mythical Beast- Lot 71a, Auction 4/4/2019
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Chinese Red Jade Amulet of a Mythical Beast- Lot 71a, Auction 4/4/2019

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East Asia, China, Neolithic Period, Hongshan culture, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. A fine amulet, hand-carved from red jade, depicting a mythical beast. The beast boasts insectile features – such as a winged carapace, tucked legs, and an ovoid body – as well as large, circular eyes, an incised mouth, and an upturned snout. The creature is situated atop a thick ring with a drilled piercing in the center as well as one beneath the back of the body. Amulets like this example were meant to be sewn onto clothing or worn on a cord. Size: 2″ W x 1.875″ H (5.1 cm x 4.8 cm).

The Hongshan culture, comprised of a group of Neolithic peoples who lived in the far northeast in what is modern-day Liaoning province and inner Mongolia, created a sophisticated society and erected elaborate ceremonial sites. Excavations of their temples and tombs have revealed numerous abstract carved-stone zoomorphic pieces like this one.

Condition: Minor nicks, light encrustations, and root marks across most surfaces, otherwise intact and excellent.

Provenance: private Ontario, Canada collection; ex-Bing Heung collection, Hong Kong, China; ex-B.C. Galleries, Australia, acquired before 2002

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