Pendant in the form of a mask, probably reworked from a tube (cong 琮)

Object Details

• Description

  The mask appears to depict a horned owl. The frontal aspect is in the full round; the back is concave and plain. Single line decor provides the details, while deep notches give an openwork feeling. A hole under the beak is drilled from both sides. The color of the stone is green and brown, with cream calcification. (Calcification, spots to powder; few nicks in edges top and bottom; soil and cinnabar adhere.)

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Anyang: China's Ancient City of Kings (February 25, 2023 to April 28, 2024)

  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)

• Origin

  Anyang, probably Henan province, China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Jewelry and Ornament

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

  The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 1000s

• Place

  China, Henan province, Anyang

• Topic

  Art, Late Neolithic period (ca. 5000 - ca. 1700 BCE), Carving, Chinese Art, Anyang period, Late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300 - 1050 BCE), Nephrite, Jade

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Ornaments, Jewelry