Jade Pendant in the Shape of a Disk-Axe

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1943.50.195
Title: Jade Pendant in the Shape of a Disk-Axe
Classification: Ritual Implements
Work Type: pendant
Date: late 19th cent. - early 20th cent.
Places: Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period: Qing dynasty, 1644-1911
Culture: Chinese
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/204908

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Light green nephrite with whitish discolorations
Dimensions: 4 x 3.8 x 0.4 cm (1 9/16 x 1 1/2 x 3/16 in.)
unspecified: 9 g

Published Text

Catalogue: Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
Authors: Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber
Publisher: Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975)

Catalogue entry no. 609 by Max Loehr:

609 Pendant in the Shape of a Disk-Axe
Light green jade with whitish discolorations and some reddish earthy deposits (that may have been applied artificially). The shape is derived from Shang or early Western Chou disk-axes, such as Nos. 22 and 23 above, but the miniature size and the suspension device at the top indicate that the object is a pendant. It may have been worn as an amulet or, as suggested by the almost exact duplication of the ancient prototype, it may have been a refined archaeological toy. A playful touch is provided by the linear engraving, identical on both sides, of symmetrically arranged animal heads, which adjoin the flanges and the dragon figures below these heads. The dragon figures are reminiscent of ancient bronze decorations in the distorted rendition of the Sung catalogues. Conceivably, therefore, the pendant may be as late as Sung.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop

Accession Year

1943

Object Number

1943.50.195

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Publication History

Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975), cat. no. 609, p. 419

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

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