Early‑Shang‑Dynasty Hetian Nephrite Seven‑Hole Jade Blade

拍品描述

Dimensions: Length 42.5 cm (approx. 16.73 inches, 1.39 feet), Height 8.8 cm (approx. 3.46 inches, 0.29 feet), Weight 675 grams; Neolithic to early Xia Dynasty (approx. 3000-2000 BC, approximately 4000-5000 years ago). Condition and Provenance: Excellent condition. The jade blade is intact, and all seven holes are well preserved. The surface exhibits natural calcification, ancient mineral deposits, and an aged patina formed from long-term burial. Provenance: Private collection, New York, USA; held in a private family collection for many years. Description: This exquisite seven-hole jade blade is an important ritual jade artifact from ancient China, representing the ritual authority and exquisite craftsmanship of prehistoric jade culture. The piece is long and trapezoidal, with a wide blade that narrows towards the top. At 42.5 cm in length, it is among the larger sizes of ancient jade knives. Seven circular perforations are evenly distributed along the upper edge, each meticulously drilled, demonstrating the advanced tubular drilling technique used in early jade craftsmanship. Due to long-term burial, the jade surface has undergone extensive natural calcification, exhibiting a unique chicken-bone white appearance interspersed with reddish-brown and gray mineral markings. The surface of the ancient jade retains rich archaeological features, covered with traces of natural weathering and burial. The jade knife is deliberately kept plain, emphasizing the importance of its shape, size, and ceremonial function rather than surface decoration. In ancient ceremonial occasions, jade knives were not practical weapons but symbols of authority, ceremonial power, and social status, used in rituals to highlight the identity of the elite class. This large seven-hole jade ceremonial knife represents the exquisite craftsmanship of early Chinese jade craftsmanship and remains an outstanding example of prehistoric ritual craftsmanship.

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