Description:

China, late Neolithic, Liangzhu period, ca. 2500 BCE. A stunning, large jade cong, made of green and deep brown nephrite. Nephrite in its purest form is white, and iron darkens it to the colors seen here. Carved using awls, drills, and abrasives, this cong has a wide, tubular center and a cuboid exterior that has been ground down to have smooth, narrow linear bands that run at regular intervals around each corner. The center of each side of the cube has been lightly ground down to form a narrow, shallow rectangular trench. This decorative motif is a series of highly stylized masks with bar-shaped mouths, designed to be viewed facing the corners. The texture of this piece is marvelous, with each corner lightly smoothed, and it invites you to run your hand down its length, feeling the cool jade underneath your palm. Interestingly, the interior has clearly been bow drilled with distinct meeting point where drills meet at the interior midpoint. Size: 3" W x 6.25" H (7.6 cm x 15.9 cm)

This item has been tested using XRF technology. It tests as nephrite jade.

Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired from the 1980s to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#189540

  • Condition: Intact and choice. Surface deposits clearly show the centuries of burial this piece experienced.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 23, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000