Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Disc with Cloud Pattern

Artist Unknown Chinese Artist

DateEastern Zhou dynasty (770-256 BCE)

Made/manufacturedChina, Asia

MediumJade

DimensionsThickness x Diameter: 1/4 x 4 9/16 in. (0.6 x 11.6 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin

Object number2009.48.277

Collections

ASIAN

DescriptionCarved 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 is formed by a series of beveled edges, suggestive of an early and basic technology. The direct design, without decoration, is typical of Hongshan jade carving is characterized by soft, refined surfaces and particular attention to polish. 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. In our opinion the sophisticated level of workmanship and distinctive technology achieved in creating this prestige object is indicative of Hongshan culture jade workmanship (Bernstein appraisal).