Artwork Page for Ceremonial Blade with Three Perforations (Dao)

Details / Information for Ceremonial Blade with Three Perforations (Dao)

Ceremonial Blade with Three Perforations (Dao)

有孔玉刀

2000–1700 BCE

Northwest China, Neolithic period to Bronze Age, Qijia culture

(2000–1700 BCE)
Medium
jade (nephrite)
Measurements
Overall: 35.2 cm (13 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Collection 2009.83
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
241A Arts of Ancient China
Print
?

Did You Know?

Although it may look made of metal, this blade is actually skillfully worked jade.

Description

This impressive blade combines the beauty of material, precision of geometry, and mastery of technique. The fine polish, silken sheen, and extreme thinness (only 2 mm thick) make it an outstanding example of meticulous workmanship in ancient jade craft. Recent recoveries of similar blades from a pit of a Qijia cultural site located in northwest China reveal that they were originally standing on their edges and were arranged in parallel formations at the ritual ground.
A long, horizontal dark nephrite blade features a straight top edge and a bottom edge curving upward toward the right. Three small circular holes are evenly spaced along the upper margin. The blade widens on the right end before tapering toward the left. Its polished, nearly black surface is interrupted by faint light-colored scratches and small marks, highlighting the dark stone's smooth yet weathered texture.

Ceremonial Blade with Three Perforations (Dao)

2000–1700 BCE

Northwest China, Neolithic period to Bronze Age, Qijia culture (2000–1700 BCE)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork