Jade ornament, Hongshan culture

Jade carved in the shape of a horse's hoof or mati 马蹄, conical and hollowed out in the centre. The rim is made at an acute angle, fluted at the back and slightly higher. The colour of the jade is greenish and light with flecks of brownish and dark tones. It shows patina and wear.

This type of object was used as a hair ornament. It has a small hole on each side above the lower rim for the insertion of a pin. This peculiar type of jade ornamentation is one of the most representative ones found in the burials of the elite of the late Hongshan culture, which flourished in Neolithic northeastern China. The sites in this area were excavated during the 20th century. 

Size: 8.7 x 7.3 cm; Weight: 135 g

Document from the 1993 auction is shown.

Provenance: 

Private Collection. Paris, Europe.

Purchased in Germany, Kunsthandel Klefisch Gmbh, 3 April 1993, Lot 107.

Purchased in 1970 in Hong Kong.