Jade "Horseshoe" ornament, Hongshan.

Jade carved in the shape of a horse's hoof or mati 马蹄, conical and hollowed out in the center. The rim is made at an acute angle with difference in height between the bottom and the back. The color of the jade is greenish with flecks of brownish and brownish tones. It presents patina. 

This type of object was used as hair ornaments, so it has a small hole on each side above the lower edge to insert a pin. This peculiar type of jade ornaments is one of the most representative ones discovered in the burials of the elite of the late period of the Hongshan culture, which flourished in northeastern Neolithic China. The sites in this area were excavated during the 20th century. 

Size: 8.70 x 6.30 x 7.20 cm; Weight: 243 g

Provenance: 

Private Collection. Paris, Europe.

Purchased in Germany, Kunsthandel Klefisch Gmbh, April 3, 1993, Lot 105.

Purchased in 1970 in Hong Kong.