Neolithic Hongshan Culture Calcified “Chicken-Bone White” Jade C-Shaped Dragon with Geometric Incision and Crested Mane (7500–2900 BCE)

拍品描述

Dimensions: H. 17.5 cm (approx. 6.89 in / 0.57 ft); overall width 12.5 cm (approx. 4.92 in / 0.41 ft); net weight 520 g (approx. 18.34 oz); Neolithic Period, Hongshan Culture, 7500–2900 BCE，Condition & Provenance: Preserved in overall intact condition. The calcified “chicken-bone white” jade displays a pale bluish-white to creamy-white tone, with fine web-like surface texturing and scattered brownish-yellow and gray-brown deposits, together with naturally developed weathering, wear, and age-related surface characteristics. The dragon head, elongated muzzle, dorsal crest, curled tail, and C-shaped body remain clearly defined. The incised decoration around the head and the circular suspension perforation are intact. Provenance: Private Collection, Washington State, USA.Description: This substantial C-shaped dragon is carved from calcified “chicken-bone white” jade with a pale bluish-white to creamy-white ground. Fine web-like surface patterns and irregular brownish-yellow and gray-brown deposits extend across the carving, giving the stone a distinctly aged and softly weathered appearance. The dragon is conceived as a powerful open C, carved fully in the round with a thick, tubular body and smoothly flowing inner and outer contours. At one end, the body develops into an elongated dragon head with a long projecting muzzle terminating in a gently upturned, rounded nose. Lightly incised geometric crosshatching appears across the forehead and upper head, while restrained linear cuts articulate the mouth, cheek, and facial structure. A long, raised blade-like crest begins behind the head and sweeps across the upper neck, following the curve of the body before terminating in a broad upturned fin. This strong dorsal element gives the sculpture a particularly dynamic silhouette. At the opposite end, the body turns inward into a thick, rounded tail, visually balancing the projecting head and completing the sweeping C-shaped composition. A circular suspension hole is drilled through the upper portion of the body; the detailed photograph shows concentric rotational traces within the perforation, while the opening itself remains well defined. The entire carving is smoothly worked, with continuous transitions from the neck through the massive body and into the curled tail. Measuring 17.5 cm high and weighing 520 grams, the piece has an unusually substantial physical presence for its dimensions. Its bold C-shaped silhouette, elongated dragon head, geometric incision, prominent dorsal crest, and suspension perforation combine to create a highly sculptural and immediately recognizable prehistoric jade form.

图片