axe BM-1973-0726.137

Period:Shang dynasty Production date:17thC-18thC (circa)
Materials:jade
Technique:carved, incised,

Dimensions:Length: 18.20 centimetres

Description:
Jade axe. Grooved and incised. Taotie mask on one of the top register.
IMG


Comments:Rawson 1992:Up to the Qing dynasty, more or less exact replicas of a much wider range of ancient jades were made for scholars and collectors-connoisseurs. Some jade forms were also revived for use in court ceremony: princes and officials carried sceptres based upon shapes they believed to be Han or earlier. Many of them wre probably made to deceive. However, seen in the light of today’s excavations, such jades are relatively easy to distinguish from their ancient models: they are heavier, more colourful and more ornate than ancient pieces. See also BM 1885.1227.92, BM 1947.0712.495 and BM 1947.0712.449.