Chinese Jade Rectangular Bead

Bands of incised patterns wrap a pale tube with squared sides.

This rectangular jade bead is from China, and dates to the 19th century. Jade has been worked in China for thousands of years, and the term covers two minerals, nephrite and jadeite, that are both prized for toughness. Tall and rectangular with a round hole at the top, the bead has horizontal grooves dividing the sides into sections. Circular and linear designs are cut into each face, and cloudy, weathered patches mottle the gray-green surface. It is 0.5 inches wide, 1 deep and 0.5 high.

Compact, patterned, and clearly full of intent.