Throckmorton Fine Art
Timed Auction

Liangzhu: Ritual Objects at the Dawn of China’s Jade Age

Thu, May 19, 2022 12:00AM EDT - Fri, Jun 3, 2022 05:00PM EDT
Lot 14

Amulet with Animal Mask and Bird Engraving, Late Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture (3200 - 2300 BCE)

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$2,000 $50
$5,000 $100
Jade, H: 3 3/16 in. Th: 1/2 in.

Condition

The pictured jade ornament is drilled at the top, bottom, and rear for suspension. The stone is a milky white with striking orange/red mineral inclusions. It is decorated on its outward facing side with a simple, standard animal mask. The animal face is characterized by ovular eye sockets enveloping circular pupils. There is a raised band forming the bridge of a nose and a rounded rectangle delineating the mouth. There are also two, somewhat less typical, engravings of abstract birds on either side of the piece, which are thought to represent the sky or heavens. The piece is slightly weathered, but still in very good condition. Display base is not included.