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)😎
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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)
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| 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.
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| Side profile |
Finally, here is a front and back view of this little figurine from the past.
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| showing the front and back view |
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