Bidspirit auction | Rare Jade Dao Blade from

Rare Jade Dao Blade from longshan Culture (2000-1700BC) - Extremely rare ceremonial blade Dao, China, Longshan culture, probably Erlitou period (2000-1700 BC), blackish jade patina with traces of age, if looking through the object delicate translucent apple green parts can be seen. Very concise are the big four eyelets at the back, and after a course of rejuvenation in the form of the handle next to the typical trapezoidal shape (Tixing). All holes are running single taper. This Dao made of jade had no practical function, but an exclusively symbolic meaning as an emblem of highest dignity. Similar outer cutters and harvesting knives made from other materials belonged to ordinary population at harvest. All edges are straight out, however, the cutting of both sides shows a slight thickening at a shallow angle. The gray areas and veil are due to the appropriate ageing. Exceptionally well preserved regarding the size, an old fracture in the lower half has been restored. Provenance: Private Collection of an old French, ex collection G. Marris. L = 560.0, B = 93.0, T = 3.0 to 4.0 mm. Note: A similar object is in the possession of the British Museum, and another copy can be seen in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, LACMA.