Neolithic Hongshan Culture River-Polished Jade Jue Pendant with Natural Burial Staining, circa 4700–2900 BCE

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 3.2 cm (1.26 in / 0.10 ft); Width 2.7 cm (1.06 in / 0.09 ft); Neolithic Period, Hongshan Culture，Weight: 14.3 g (approx. 0.50 oz)，Condition & Provenance: The jade jue is preserved intact overall, with no apparent chips, major cracks, losses, or restoration. The river-polished jade displays a softly translucent, mellow body enriched by irregular reddish-brown, ochre, amber, and darker mineral-toned areas. The coloration follows the natural structure of the stone and creates layered transitions across the surface. The pendant is formed as a compact elliptical ring with a characteristic vertical opening along one side and a substantial central perforation. The interior of the aperture is smoothly worked and retains visible rotational and abrasive working traces. Both the inner and outer contours are softly rounded and carefully polished, giving the piece a tactile, understated surface quality. Provenance: Private Collection, Switzerland. Acquired in 1998 and subsequently retained in an overseas private collection for more than twenty years; accompanied by collection documentation.Description: Small in scale but strongly defined in form, this jade jue is carved from a single piece of river-polished jade into the distinctive split-ring configuration associated with prehistoric Chinese personal ornaments. Measuring only 3.2 cm in height and weighing 14.3 grams, the pendant achieves its visual impact through compact proportions, carefully controlled curvature, and the naturally varied coloration of the stone. The body is conceived as a thick, slightly elliptical ring surrounding a broad central aperture. A narrow vertical opening extends from the outer edge toward the central hole, creating the defining feature of the jue form. The transition between the split and circular opening is smoothly resolved, while the substantial thickness of the ring gives the object a surprisingly sculptural presence when viewed from the side. The jade itself is particularly attractive. Its underlying tone is soft and subdued, while irregular passages of reddish brown, ochre, amber, and deeper brown spread across the surface in cloud-like formations. These contrasting areas follow the contours and internal character of the material, producing a naturally painterly appearance without the need for additional ornament. The restrained design allows the color and texture of the jade to become the principal decorative elements. Both the inner aperture and exterior perimeter have been carefully rounded and polished. The absence of elaborate carved decoration places emphasis on proportion, tactile finish, and negative space—qualities that give early Chinese jade ornaments much of their enduring visual appeal. Jue, or split-ring ornaments, represent one of the important forms in prehistoric Chinese jade traditions. Archaeological examples are generally discussed in connection with bodily adornment, including ear ornaments and suspended personal accessories, while their occurrence in burial and ceremonial contexts has also contributed to broader interpretations of their social and ritual significance. This compact example is especially appealing for its balanced elliptical silhouette, substantial ring body, softly finished contours, distinctive split construction, and richly varied natural coloration. The combination of minimalist geometry and expressive stone surface gives the piece an understated yet sophisticated character, making it a compelling object for the study and collection of prehistoric Chinese jade ornament traditions.

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