Disc
Artist
Unknown Chinese Artist
DateNeolithic Period or later
Made/manufacturedChina, Asia
MediumJade
Dimensions4 3/8 x 4 1/2 x 7/8 in. (11.1 x 11.4 x 2.2 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin
Object number2009.48.151
Collections
Carved from a brown and russet jade with patches of black, the irregular shaped disc is carefully beveled and rounded. This disc also has a distinctive hole formed by a series of beveled edges, suggestive of an early and basic technology. There is a slight surface iridescence present which is indicative of prolonged exposure to water and mineral elements due to burial. There is also evidence of surface pitting and abrasion which is typically found on Neolithic jade artifacts. The dark brown color of the jade is characteristic to Northeastern China, and is consistent with dating of the Hongshan culture. It is typically not found in other Neolithic cultures. (Bernstein invoice description)
