A CHINESE ARCHAIC HORSE-HOOF SHAPED JADE ORNAMENT

Neolithic Period, Hongshan Culture (Circa 3500 - 2000 B.C.E)

新石器時代 紅山文化 玉馬蹄形飾

Tapered form hollowed out in the centre, the smoothly patinated stone of a variegated grey, green and light brown colour with darker undertones

12.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter (lower section)

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PROVENANCE:

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REFERENCE:

For an example of a larger ornament of the same form, in the British Museum, London, is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jades from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 1:2, where it is noted that these ornaments are commonly found in tombs near the head of the occupant, hence suggested that they may have served as hair ornaments, p. 116. Compare a similar ornament from the collection of Prof. Max Loehr (1903-1988), sold in Sotheby's, Paris, 15th December 2016, lot 23.