These 3 slim girls carved from jade hail from maybe 2000 years ago.
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| Maybe as old as 2000 years |
Judging from the degree of corrosion on the jade they must have endured long years of burial. Although they have lost their original lustre some dignified grace remains in their tall silhouette , long sleeves, hands demurely folded at the waist.
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| Lacklustre but still dignified |
Each piece is minimally carved and the facial features are simply notched. As the figures do not carry any air of nobility they may represent serving maids from the countryside. I am guessing that they hail from the Han dynasty (206BC -220AD) as their gait and garments, top knots etc resemble paintings and wall murals of Han dynasty folk.
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| Simple and dignified |
The back view shows the long sleeves and a line indicates the hair
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| Back view |
At top of the head there is a ring hole for attachment as pendant
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| Ring hole for attachment as pendant |
Their small size measuring 4.7cm x 0.5 cm, together with the ring hole indicates that they may have served as components in ornamental jade sets such as the one set up by me below.
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| Could have been in a set of Jade Ornaments such as this "made-up" set |
As Han jade, the carving on these pieces are not great but they are interesting figurines from the past. When they were newly carved and polished, I am sure they must have been Lovely Lasses.
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| 3 Lovely Lasses |
