Chinese Jade Archaic Blade

A flat disc of stone with a single hole and a lot of history in its patterning.

This archaic-style blade comes from Southern China and was worked in jade in the 20th century. Jade blades and discs of this kind are commonly associated with ceremonial and ritual forms in early Chinese tradition. The piece is a broad, flat shape with a straight upper edge, curved sides and one central round perforation, with two tiny holes near the top. The stone is mottled in cream, tan, orange and gray, with veined lines and dark flecks running across it.

About twelve by eleven inches. Better on a stand than in a drawer.