Ancestor tablet

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1400-ca. 1300 BCE
  • Geography

    China
  • Material

    Jade (nephrite)
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 18.6 x 2 x 1 cm (7 5/16 x 13/16 x 3/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.838
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.838

Object Details

  • Description

    Six tiers of leaves or scales rise up each side of the jade handle. Each tier is separated from the one adjacent to it by a narrow vertical band running up the center of each side. The tip of the handle is an inverted truncated pyramid. The tectiform bar at the top of the handle is ground to a thin edge. Two horizontal raised thread-bands decorate the concave space between the tectiform bar and the tiers of leaves. (Crack/separation on end, reverse; calcification clouding.)
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
  • Origin

    China
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • Type

    Ceremonial Object
  • 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.

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