Monday, July 1, 2019

Kneeling Jade Figurine


Today I'd like to share a kneeling jade figurine with tall well shaped hat. I am not sure what period he belongs to but as there are many kneeling jade figurines from Shang dynasty (1700BC-1027BC) to the Han dynasty (206BC-220AD)  I would place him tentatively around this timeline plus or minus (excuse me if I'm wrong)😎

jade man in a respectful pose
 He is carved in a kneeling position with both hands placed neatly on his lap and cuts a dignified, respectful pose, The little figurine measures only 6cm

Measures 6cm tall


I am most struck by the beauty of the outstanding hat which must be indicative of some importance so it is likely that he is an official or emissary rather than a servant.

The front of the hat is well carved and it slants slightly backwards. It has 4 vertical grooves  displaying a fine mesh of delicate toolmarks  which can be seen on close inspection. The back is flat, straight and undecorated.

the front with vertical grooves and the back flat and uncarved.

The hat is also hollowed out with openings on both sides. If you peer through the cavity you can see toolmarks left behind by long ago jade artisans.

toolmarks are visible through the hat's cavity.
                     
Each ear is decorated with a cloud scroll  motif. Such motifs are common in Spring and Autumn and Warring States period. (1046-256BC)

ears with cloud scroll  motifs

The side profile is reminiscent of the famous jade figurine with key excavated from Fu Hao's tomb Shang dynasty (1700-1027BC)except that this one does not have a key. Instead it has a tall hat.

Side profile


Finally, here is  a front and back view of this little figurine from the past.

showing the front and back view


No comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive

Favourite Books

  • Theft : a love story
  • The Uncommon Reader
  • The Silent Patient
  • Never Let me go
  • Angela's Angels
  • Where angels fear to tread