Carved jade gui ‘Xihe’, Liangzhu culture

A traditional carved jade ‘Gui’ plate of deep reddish hue, with ochre and amber flecks. It is pentagonal, with an elongated body and an angular base. It is decorated on the front face with a background profusely decorated with incised spirals, on which is placed the image of ‘Xihe’ crowned by a large diadem of sunbeams. Neolithic period (ca. 6000 - 2000 BC) or later.

Over the centuries, only the upper classes and nobles were allowed to use jade, as it was a symbol of power and social status. The reddish patina that covers the stone is of great value in Chinese culture, and is the result of the age of the material. It also has trace elements in its composition that accentuate the colour through natural erosion processes. Neolithic period (ca. 6000–2000 c.e.) or later. 

Size: 8.7 x 0.6 x 5.6 cm

Weight: 56 g