Friday, May 6, 2022

Jade Phoenix Neolithic Shijiahe Culture

 Not Fu Hao's phoenix but still a phoenix and quite a pretty one too.😁


Jade Phoenix

The famous Fu Haos phoenix dates from Shang dynasty  I am a phoenix fan and this is the third one in my early jades collection.


Maybe older than Shang...just a conjecture


Although she bears resemblance to the famous Shang dynasty eimpress Fu Hao's jade phoenix I must admit that this one is less dramatic/impressive by comparison. The surface is badly corroded and I cant tell whether its been treated or natural weathering through 3000 years. It measures 7 cm high


Badly corroded less regal crown



The crown is less regal and the carving on the wings is also different


what is inscribed on the wings?



The famous Fu Hao phoenix dates from Shang dynasty  and I dont suppose the craftsmen of those times were allowed to replicate the fabled bird in exact detail. So maybe mine is a copy for lesser Shang citizens or a replica. Or it may even come from an earlier neolithic culture like Shijiahe culture which reputedly had jade phoenixes in their culture too.


I cant confirm the date and authenticity of this phoenix. Meanwhile just enjoy the Mystery 😎


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  • Theft : a love story
  • The Uncommon Reader
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