Jade
Zhou dynasty, 1046–256 BCE
China
The British Museum
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient China, Zhou Dynasty
Theme
The Great River Civilisations outside India: Mesopotamia, Egypt and China
Subtheme
Ancient China: The Great Northern and Southern Rivers
Case Title
China - Mastery in making
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
China
Measurements
12 x 8 x 0.5 cm
Accession Number
1911,0407.5
Description
Jade – it is the hard stone that embodies spiritual power, purity and immortality. For 7,000 years, jade has held a sacred place in Chinese culture. It needs intense labour to produce the highly prized polish and translucency. In this object, jade evokes religion, political power, natural philosophy, and luxury.
The axe-blade, not a real tool, but a ritual ceremonial object, was perhaps placed in a tomb.
