Jade. China, Western Zhou Period (approx. 1100 – 256 BC)
Amazingly thin, polished, arched plate; either worn alone or as two same-formed pieces connected as one bi disc, a so-called lian huan. This maximally thin, polished pendant has two grommets and a light step on each side, occuring due to the deviations of the grinding techniques of the time. Yellow-green color tone, very good translucence resulting in thinness – altogether offering a fine, compact performance featuring inclusions and grain. Light age characteristics; nevertheless best preservation.
WIDTH 10,25 CM, THICKNESS TO 1,5 MM (!)
From the Collection of Gustav Ralph von K?nigswald (1902 - 1982)
Gustaf Ralph von Koenigswald (1902 - 82) counts among the most significant paleoanthropologists of the world, who became famous through the discovery of the Homo erectus in Java. Koenigswald stayed in Peking in the late 1930′s and was especially occupied with the acquisition of jades. In 2007, we were already able to acquire valuable jades from his collection.
Age determination: Univ. Prof. Dr. Filippo Salviati