Shang and Western Zhou: The Dynastic Cycle Emerges in Ancient China
Tue, Dec 20, 2022 09:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 56
Axe (Yue) with Large Collared Hole Incised with Seated Bears, Shang Period, Sichuan (1600-1100 BCE)
Estimate: $6,000 - $7,000
Bid Increments
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| $0 | $10 |
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| $380 | $20 |
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| $480 | $20 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,200 | $300 |
| $3,800 | $200 |
| $4,200 | $300 |
| $4,800 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $32,000 | $3,000 |
| $38,000 | $2,000 |
| $42,000 | $3,000 |
| $48,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $320,000 | $30,000 |
| $380,000 | $20,000 |
| $420,000 | $30,000 |
| $480,000 | $20,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
This yue axe is made of mottled dark slate blue nephrite. The axe head is symmetrically designed with a large central hole emerging outward as a raised collar on either side. Small scale protrusions creating a silhouette of seated bears flank the side of a blade that has a concave cutting edge and a convex crown. Traces of cinnabar and soil remain around the central perforation. Similar objects have been found throughout Jinsha and Anyang among other regions.
Jade, H: 8 1/2 in. W: 7 in. Th: 1 1/4 - 1/8 in. With a certificate of authenticity issued by Gu Fang, Senior Fellow of the Institute of Archaeology Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)
(#13187)