Axe (yue 鉞)

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 2
IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1300-ca. 1050 BCE
  • Geography

    Anyang, probably Henan province, China
  • Material

    Jade (nephrite)
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 11.1 x 6.6 x 0.4 cm (4 3/8 x 2 5/8 x 3/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.566
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.566

Object Details

  • Description

    Axe blade with notched sides; pierced; translucent green with opaque cream. Traces of burial cinnabar. (Mostly calcified; small chips and deposits.)
  • Provenance

    By 1964
    Frank Caro Chinese Art, New York, NY [1]
    1964 to 1987
    Dr. Arthur M. Sackler, New York, NY purchased from Frank Caro Chinese Art, New York, NY on August 27, 1964 [2]
    From 1987
    Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Dr. Arthur M. Sackler on September 11, 1987 [3]
    Notes:
    [1] F. Caro stock no. FC-2325:
    "Archaic jade, axe blade, with series of six teeth near center of each side; traces of burial and cinnabar," see invoice from Frank Caro Chinese Art to Arthur M. Sackler, August 27, 1964, copy in object file.
    [2] See Frank Caro's invoice referenced in note 1.
    [3] Pursuant to the agreement between Dr. Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    The Arts of China (November 18, 1990 to September 7, 2014)
    Ancient Chinese Bronzes and Jades (October 1, 1989 - September 10, 1990)
    In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Frank Caro Chinese Art (1962-1980)
    Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
  • Origin

    Anyang, probably Henan province, China
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Ceremonial Object
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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