Period:Ming dynasty Production date:17thC-18thC (circa)
Materials:jade
Technique:carved
Subjects:crustacean
Dimensions:Width: 7.50 centimetres
Description:
White nephrite-jade figure of a crab.
IMG
![图片[1]-figure BM-1978-0307.1-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Ming dynasty/Jades/00217405_001.jpg)
![图片[2]-figure BM-1978-0307.1-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Ming dynasty/Jades/mid_00298860_001.jpg)
Comments:Rawson 1992:This carving would have been used as a paper-weight or ornament. See also BM 1981.1005.2, BM 1973.0726.150, BM 1947.0712.486 and BM 1981.1005.3. Of all the hardstones, jade was the most precious: worked since the Neolithic period in China, it was not only valued for its hardness and rarity but was imbued with moral qualities; it was also thought to confer immortality. Bacause it was so hard, jade could not be carved with tools but had to be ground with abrasive sands. Used in early China for ritual objects, it was later used for decorative items, jewellery, paper-weights and small sculptures.
Materials:jade
Technique:carved
Subjects:crustacean
Dimensions:Width: 7.50 centimetres
Description:
White nephrite-jade figure of a crab.
IMG
Comments:Rawson 1992:This carving would have been used as a paper-weight or ornament. See also BM 1981.1005.2, BM 1973.0726.150, BM 1947.0712.486 and BM 1981.1005.3. Of all the hardstones, jade was the most precious: worked since the Neolithic period in China, it was not only valued for its hardness and rarity but was imbued with moral qualities; it was also thought to confer immortality. Bacause it was so hard, jade could not be carved with tools but had to be ground with abrasive sands. Used in early China for ritual objects, it was later used for decorative items, jewellery, paper-weights and small sculptures.
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