Liao‑Dynasty Agate Square‑Tapered Pendants Pair，10th‑12th century CE

拍品描述

Larger piece length: 6.5 cm (2.56 in); Smaller piece length: 4.9 cm (1.93 in); Total weight: 36 grams, 10th-12th century AD. This pair of agate pendants is in excellent condition. Both pendants are square-pyramidal with a perforated hanging knob at the top. The smooth inner walls at the perforation show natural wear from repeated use with ropes in ancient times. Multiple layers of cloud-white burial patina cover both pendants. Frosty erosion blends naturally with the original deep reddish-brown base color of the agate, with varying depths of erosion. Some surfaces retain traces of soil wear from underground burial. The edges show slight signs of aging from long-term burial. The pendants have not undergone modern processing or reshaping, artificial dyeing or imitation patina, or chemical acid cleaning. The original Liao Dynasty polishing techniques and the patina on the unearthed surface are perfectly preserved. This set of porcelain comes from a private collection in Washington State, USA. It entered North America in the 1970s and has been passed down through generations among seasoned collectors specializing in Liao and Jin Dynasty northern antiquities and jewels. This set of porcelain has been preserved in a temperature- and humidity-controlled dark room for a long time and has never been auctioned or publicly exhibited. The pair of Liao Dynasty agate pyramidal pendants are carved from translucent red agate. Each pendant is pyramidal, gradually narrowing upwards, with a round, openwork spherical ornament at the end for threading a cord. All four sides are finely polished, with sharp, clear edges. The agate retains its original rich color. The cloud-like white patina formed underground gives the agate a vibrant red-and-white contrast, showcasing the unique aesthetic style of the Liao Dynasty. Agate ornaments like these were private pieces of the Liao Dynasty's northern nomadic elite. Pairs of original pieces that have survived to this day are extremely rare. They demonstrate the outstanding northern agate carving craftsmanship of the Liao Dynasty and are important material evidence for studying the decorative culture of the Liao nomadic peoples and ancient agate processing techniques, possessing significant archaeological reference value and antique gemstone collection value.

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