Ancient Chinese Jade Dragon Ritual Axe: Heaven Amulet & Translation!

Description

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
Artifacts, Antiques & Fine Collect
i
bles
Ancient Chinese Jade Trapezoid Axe Head Amulet
Dragon Offering of Jade to Ancestors in Heaven (
Ti’en
)
“F
u”
Jade Ceremonial Battle Axe Head Pendant
Inscribed Dedication with Partial English Translation!
c. Hongshan Culture
4500 BC to 2250 BC
SUMMARY
This Neolithic Chinese Jade Trapezoidal Battle Axe pendant in a style classified as a “
Fu
” axe, dates to approximately the Hongshan Culture (4500 BC—2250 BC).
This beautiful ancient, Neolithic Chinese Heaven/Axe Pendant is made of pure, Nephrite Jade that weighs about 3.9 oz. (110 grams).
It has turned a wonderful shade of burnt orange after being buried in the damp soil for over 4,000 years!
The ritual amulet measures about  2.12” (54 mm) in width x 2.87” (70 mm) tall x .50” (11 mm) thick.
This ancient jade amulet is trapezoid shaped in the shape of a symbolic, ritual axe, with a single large hole in the center that symbolizes Heaven (in Chinese
Ti’en
), which can also be translated as “Immortality.”
The shape of the ritual axe is thought to scare away Evil Spirits, who were thought to lurk everywhere and who could prevent the soul of man from reaching immortality in Heaven.
The shape represents Heaven, Earth, and Mankind.
On both sides of the amulet are several ancient Chinese pictographs (characters) carved into the stone in low relief that I have translated below into English.
In ancient China, this jade amulet was thought to be able to carry safely the spirit of the deceased to Heaven (
Ti’en
” in Chinese) and immortality.
Jade was thought to represent Heaven and was considered more precious than gold in ancient China.
Chinese experts estimate that it was made during the late Hongshan Culture (4500 BC--2250 BC) of ancient China about 4,000 years-ago!
I Guarantee it to be authentic and original!
Details:
This stunning jade amulet is made of solid Nephrite jade that that measures approximately  2.12” (54 mm) in width x 2.87” (70 mm) tall x .50” (11 mm) thick.
Although heavily pitted, it has a wonderful ancient patina from the iron that has been absorbed into the once green jade after being buried in damp soil for over 4,000 years.
This iron in the soil has turned this jade amulet a wonderful color saddle-brown with burnt-orange accents!
WOW!!
It is a very early example and is one of the few examples that has several ancient Chinese characters (pictographs) percussive strikes into both sides of the amulet.
This amulet has a three, small, suspension holes; one at the top and two at the bottom of the ritual amulet that are classified as "double-bevel holes" by anthropologists (see photo # 1).
It would have been used to suspend the amulet around the neck of its owner.
As stated above, the large, center hole (.71” or 18 mm inside diameter) represents Heaven (
Ti’en in Chinese
).
Each of the holes is round and was drilled by hand from each side with a slow-speed drill.
The holes are period correct and show the growth of tiny micro-crystals of jade inside the bore holes and on the all the surfaces of the amulet.
This chemical reaction can only happen after a piece of carved jade has been buried for thousands of years in damp soil.
These tiny crystals almost look like white powder and should never be cleaned off or removed as they attest to the authenticity of the piece.
{REF: "
JADE
" by Roger Keverne, pg. 57. This is an excellent reference book that can be found on eBay.}
In ancient China, this amulet would have been placed in the tomb or temple of the departed by his family to protect him or her from evil spirits on his journey to the afterlife and to allow him/her to enter Heaven.
It would also show the ancestors and spirits that he was a wealthy and honorable person whose “perfect work” would allow him immortality in Heaven.
The characters carved into the amulet state that he had Mandarins that could speak to the Heavens for him.
TRANSLATION
This lovely amulet contains several ancient, Chinese pictographic characters that have been created by percussive blows to create designs on this amulet.
I have been able to read and translate the larger characters, but the smaller ones have been obscured by the extensive pitting and weathering this jade amulet suffered when it was buried in the damp earth over 4,000-years-ago.
The two, horizontal lines just above the large center hole (see photos 1-3) actually are the ancient Chinese character for the word "
Erh
" that in ancient Chinese
Ku'wen
(large seal script) means "
Earth
."  This character represents the power of jade and of the amulet to transport the soul of the departed safely from Earth to the Heavens and eternal life.
Both the front (obverse side) and back (reverse side) of the jade amulet contains two petroglyphs that appear to be both Heavenly Dragons!  (see photos 2 & 5)  These are some of the earliest written depictions of a Dragon in Chinese culture and predate even the earliest of Chinese characters.
Jade was highly prized by these early civilizations in China and it was thought to have positive energy to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune to all who wore a piece on their person--in life and in death. Jade was also believed to be a portal or messenger that could carry prayers to Heaven and send messages to those on Earth from departed ancestors and Gods in Heaven.
This ancient amulet is a fine work of art and it is truly a museum quality study piece of great historical significance.
Because of its cultural significance, it is highly recommended that this item be for display only.
Condition
As noted above, although this jade pendant is heavily pitted and shows signs of differential weathering, it has a wonderful ancient patina.
It has not been repaired or restored and is in “as found” condition.
The jade pendant has three holes that would have been used for suspension around the neck.  The holes have been drilled by ancient hand tools at low RPM from both sides of the amulet--see 4x macro photos.  These are period correct and have a wonderful layer of calcium and micro-crystalline jade inside the bore holes--just perfect.
I have examined this piece under 10x and 80x magnification and it shows no signs of modern tool marks--only hand tools were used to make this amulet.
It has been cut, carved, shaped, and drilled with ancient hand tools.
I also examined it under Black Light and found no signs of repairs or modern carving.
Modern drills would have drilled the hole straight and true--and not larger on the outer edge of the hole.
Thus, these ancient, drilled holes are another sign that this amulet is original and authentic.
Price & Value
I have carefully examined this ancient jade statue and I
GUARANTEE
it to be 100% original and authentic or your money back! I’ve looked under 10x magnification under both natural and Black Light and I can find no signs of any modern tool work or repairs. The hand tool marks left in the jade by the master stone artist who carved, shaped, and engrave this work of art appear to be consistent with those marks of other ancient jades I have examined.
Each object I sell is professionally researched, translated (if I can...(smile), and compared with similar objects in the collections of the finest museums in the world. I have been dealing in fine antiquities for over 45 years and although certainly not an expert in every field, I have been honored to appraise, buy, collect, and enjoy and recently sell some of the finest ancient art in the world. When in doubt, I have worked with dozens of subject matter experts to determine the condition and authenticity of numerous antiquities and antiques. This careful examination helps to insure you are buying quality items and helps to protect your investment. There are many modern reproductions or "fakes" on the market today, so be sure and buy only from experts in the field.
Note: For reference on how to purchase authentic archaic jade, may I refer you to an excellent book published in 2009 by Stephen Payne called "
How to Purchase Archaic Jade.
" He shows in great detail how the experts determine the age and date of ancient Chinese Jade. This book is well worth the price if you are just starting your collection or if you are a seasoned "expert" and can be purchased on eBay.
Please examine the photos taken at 4x macro carefully as they are part of the description.
The stand and AA battery are not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.
And please ask any questions before you buy.
References:
Chinese Characters
, Dr. L. Wieger, S.J., 1965
Please examine the macro photos taken indoors carefully, as they are part of the description.
The stand is not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.
And please ask any questions before you buy.
I
GUARANTEE
this statue is ancient and authentic or your money back!
Note:
Please ask any questions you may have before you bid!  Thanks for Looking!
Per e-Bay's rules, PayPal only please!
THANKS!
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