Bidspirit auction | Ancient Jade Ritual Equipment from

Ancient Jade Ritual Equipment from HongShan Culture (4700-2900BC) - Ancient ritual equipment, China, HongShan culture (about 4700-2900 before JC), dark green, almost blackish nephrite. Important is the intentional asymmetry of different lateral protuberances by which this object derives its special aesthetic appeal. The large central bore has no apparent function as a device for attaching a cord, which is much better placed above the two holes. Provenance: Private and old French Collection, ex collection G. Marris. Note: The function of this nearly perfect object, which Chinese museum professionals witnessed as spectacular of the HongShan culture is not known. The central hole makes us think of a functional proximity to the BI discs, especially since the early specimens often are rectangular or trapezoidal (with rounded corners). Due to its formal characteristics, it is assigned to the QI Group.