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Disc with Cloud Pattern
Disc with Cloud Pattern
Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Disc with Cloud Pattern

Artist Chinese Artist
DateEastern Zhou dynasty (770-256 BCE)
Place of originChina, 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
Visual 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).
Disc
Disc
Chinese Artist
Neolithic Period or later
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Bi
Chinese, Liangzhu culture
Neolithic period or later
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Pig Dragon
Chinese Artist
Neolithic period, c. 3500-3000 BCE or later
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Chinese Artist
Yongzheng Period (1723-1735)
This ear cup reflects the Song period's profound interest in history in its characteristic design found in jades of the late Han period (206BC-AD220). The thinly worked oval cup has two flat handles projecting just below the rim at the longer sides, resting on an oval base with a raised foot ring. The highly translucent yellow jade possesses darker russet brown inclusions creating a desirable "skin" throughout the cup. The ear cup is of a fine, smooth polish. In our opinion, this ear cup is a fi…
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Chinese Artist
Qing dynasty (1644-1911) or later
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Cong with Taotie Designs
Chinese Artist
Ming dynasty (1368-1644) or later
Bell is divided into sections which are reminiscent of the piece-mold technique of seaming the elements of the bronze bells together, seen on this jade bell as design elements. This archaistic bell is of greenish-gray jade with russet inclusions. In our opinion this archaistic bell expresses the refinement of design and technical workmanship of the late Song to early Ming period.
Archaistic Bell
Chinese Artist
Song Dynasty (960-1279) or later
Carved with archaistic motifs
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Chinese Artist
19th century
Carved from a light green jade with black inclusions, both sides of the disc are divided into two finely executed concentric decor zones. The inner band contains a grid of low relief curls within elevated hexagonal units, bordered by three "Bucraniums" that embellish the outer band. They stylized dragon forms are fluidly shaped from thick and thin incisions in a curvilinear pattern and separated by incised double brackets. Consistent with the practice of the time, cinnabar was applied to enhance…
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Chinese Artist
Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)
This striking octagonal vase is delicately worked from icy white jade with pale yellow surface skin markings. The artist has expertly incorporated the subtle yellow inclusions of the material with the edges of the broad graceful lotus leaves. The design extends the length of the vase to the concave neck. On either side, the covered vase is graced by handles in the shape of ruyi, or wish granting scepters. From each handle, circular rings are worked from the same jade boulder. In our opinion, the…
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Chinese Artist
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Reticulated Bowl
Chinese Artist
19th century or later
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Neolithic period, c. 2300-1700 BCE or later

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