Description:

Asia, China, Warring States Period to Early Western Han Dynasty, ca. 400 BCE to 100 BCE. An outstanding jade fitting, most likely used as a pommel insert to adorn the handle of a sword, the surface worked with symmetrically spaced, finely carved spiral motifs surrounding a central scrolling cloud design. Around this area and outer perimeter are two plain, raised bands. On the verso, five Chinese characters which appear to be numbers are engraved. Size: 1-3/4" in diameter x 1/4" thick (4.4 cm x 0.6 cm).

According to experts, such jade fittings for elite weapons were first created during the Eastern Zhou period and reached their peak in the subsequent Han Dynasty. A common practice was for aristocrats to have sets made of several varieties of jade to embellish their swords.

Provenance: Ex-private A. Kowsky collection, acquired at I. M. Chait Galleries, Beverly Hills, CA in early 1980's.

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#109405

  • Condition: Overall excellent. Small, old nick to back.

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January 7, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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