Shang Dynasty Hetian Jade Carved Ox with Coiled Cloud Motifs,Late Shang Dynasty,13th–11th Centuries BC

拍品描述

Measurements:Overall length 4.5 cm / 1.77 inches, overall height 3 cm / 1.18 inches, weight 25 grams, Late Shang Dynasty, 13th–11th Centuries BCCondition & Provenance:This solid Hetian jade ox is fully intact with no breaks or penetrating cracks; its four legs, head and all carved surface patterns remain complete. The entire sculpture bears natural gray-white calcified burial patina that penetrates deep into the jade matrix, with zero artificial dye or acid-treated fake patina. All original incised carving lines carry soft natural wear accumulated from thousands of years of burial and handling, no modern re-carving, grinding or repair work. The original shallow slits on each foot are fully preserved without later modification. This artifact descended from a long-established ancient jade collector based in New York, and was acquired in 2024 by a private specialist collection of Shang and Zhou jades in Chicago, Illinois. It has been preserved long-term in a temperature-controlled, light-blocking professional display case.Object Description:This fully rounded carved Hetian jade ox dates to the late Shang Dynasty, a classic zoomorphic jade pendant worn by ancient aristocrats and used for sacrificial rituals. The craftsman sculpted a realistic ox form in full three-round carving: the head stretches forward with clearly defined eyes and nostrils, paired simplified horns sit atop the skull. Four sturdy legs stand firmly, each foot marked with shallow original grooves for authentic Shang styling. The whole surface is covered in Shang’s signature double-line incised coiled cloud patterns. Symmetrical swirling spiral cloud motifs decorate the back and hindquarters, paired with vertical straight lines along the legs. The carving strokes are sharp, consistent in depth, showcasing the iconic Shang single-slope jade carving technique. The raw material is genuine Hetian jade. After over three thousand years underground, the jade developed widespread natural gray-white calcification mixed with reddish-brown earth patina, capped with thick, smooth ancient skin patina full of timeless antique character. Cattle held vital sacrificial status in Shang pastoral civilization. Jade oxen served multi-purpose roles: ritual offerings, talismans for good fortune, and wearable personal pendants. Fully intact Shang round-carved jade oxen with complete original patterns and no restorations are extremely scarce today. It delivers direct physical evidence for Shang jade craftsmanship and ancient animal worship traditions, holding immense academic, ritual and high-end collecting value.

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