Miniature Jade Dagger-Axe with Stepped Tang

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1943.50.106
Title: Miniature Jade Dagger-Axe with Stepped Tang
Other Titles: Alternate Title: ko
Classification: Ritual Implements
Work Type: dagger-axe
Date: 14th-11th century BCE
Places: Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period: Shang dynasty, c. 1600-c. 1050 BCE
Culture: Chinese
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/204973

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Smoothly polished, opaque buff and cream-colored nephrite
Dimensions: H. 12.7 x W. 3.8 x D. 0.3 cm (5 x 1 1/2 x 1/8 in.)
Weight 24 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. 49 by Max Loehr:

49 Miniature Dagger-Axe with Stepped Tang
Smoothly polished, opaque buff and cream-colored jade. The blade has a median crest that continues through the tang; its narrow upper and lower facets curve outward from the beginning of the sharp-pointed tip. A small conical perforation adjoins the base of the blade. The upper corner of the tang is cut out so as to form a step that slopes toward the butt. Late Shang.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

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

Accession Year

1943

Object Number

1943.50.106

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. 49, p. 65

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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