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 |
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