~ Chinese Neolithic Style Nephrite Jade Pendant Of A Stylized Bird ~
A small carved white nephrite jade pendant, worked in a simplified, curled form suggestive of a stylised bird or hook-form creature, in the manner of Neolithic Hongshan culture jades. The piece has a smooth, rounded silhouette with a pronounced curling "head" element at one end and a further rounded terminal at the other, pierced with two drilled perforations of differing sizes positioned for suspension. The carving favours simplified, flowing contours over fine incised line work, in keeping with the minimalist aesthetic associated with this archaic style. The stone is an opaque white to cream tone with scattered natural inclusions and some areas of surface discolouration.
Historical Context
The Hongshan culture (circa 4700–2900 BC), centred in north-eastern China, is renowned for its distinctive jade carvings, including pendants in the form of birds, coiled dragons (zhulong), and other zoomorphic and abstract shapes, typically characterised by smooth, simplified contours, minimal surface decoration, and one or more drilled perforations for suspension or attachment. Genuine Hongshan jades are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors and museums, with confirmed examples regularly appearing at major international auction houses. Because of their desirability, this style has been very widely reproduced from the 20th century onward, both as deliberate copies for the decorative and tourist market and, less innocently, as attempts to imitate genuine ancient pieces. This pendant is offered as a piece carved in the Neolithic Hongshan style; it is not represented as an authenticated ancient artefact, and no scientific testing or documented provenance has been carried out to support an attribution to the Neolithic period itself.
~ Dimensions ~
One measures 2 inches (5 cm) by 1.25 inches (3.4 cm) by 0.7 inches (1.7 cm).
It weighs 40g
~ Condition ~
The piece is in great condition with no cracks or chips.
#1394
