Jade dragon and phoenix handle

[Jade dragon and phoenix shaped handle]

Jade dragon and phoenix shaped handle, Western Zhou Dynasty, 17.1 cm long, 3.7 cm wide and 0.7 cm thick
The jade ware is green, translucent, with a small amount of dirt spots in some parts, and its body is long. Both sides are carved with the same pattern. The upper part is composed of two phoenix patterns symmetrically. The tail is pendulous and rolled back into a hook shape. Two peach shaped holes of the size are hollowed out between the opposite beaks and the body and tail. One can be worn up and down. In the middle is a tall crested long-tailed phoenix with a raised head, round eyes, sharp hooked beak, one foot and sharp claws on the top of a Kui dragon head at the bottom, Kui dragon body bent, minister’s eyes, elongated and hooked eye line, and a short tenon at the bottom for cutting
The jade handle type ware was first seen in Erlitou culture, and it continued to be used in the Shang Dynasty to the Western Zhou Dynasty. However, the Western Zhou Dynasty had the most exquisite patterns, diverse carving techniques, powerful knife techniques, round lines, and clear patterns. Generally, its lower end has a wide tenon, which can be used as a handle or to connect other devices. The exact use needs further research