Axe-Shaped Jade Tablet with Single Perforation and Incised Mask Decor

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1943.50.84
Title: Axe-Shaped Jade Tablet with Single Perforation and Incised Mask Decor
Classification: Ritual Implements
Work Type: axe
Date: c. 2500 BCE - c. 2000 BCE
Places: Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period: Neolithic period, Longshan culture, c. 3000-1900 BCE
Culture: Chinese
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/204940

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Evenly dark green nephrite
Dimensions: 12.7 x 9.5 x 0.4 cm (5 x 3 3/4 x 3/16 in.)
unspecified: 109 g

Published Text

Catalogue: Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
Authors: Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber
Publisher: Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975)

Catalogue entry no. 192 by Max Loehr:

192 Axe-shaped Tablet
Thin trapezoidal blade of evenly dark green jade, with a straight cutting edge. Neatly drilled conical hole. On each side of the blade there is a faintly engraved and partly effaced animal mask, elaborately designed but poorly executed. Western Chou.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop

Accession Year

1943

Object Number

1943.50.84

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Publication History

Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, Fogg Art Museum, 1975)., cat. no. 192, p. 151

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

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