Chinese Scholar’s Jade Yue Axe Blade, Celadon to Black Mottled Nephrite

East Asia, China, late Qing to Republic period, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A blade carved from nephrite jade, inspired by Neolithic yue axes and early Shang-Zhou blade forms, reinterpreted as a scholar's or collector's object. The elongated rectangular body is pierced with four evenly spaced circular perforations and two shallow spine notches, and finished with a smooth polish that reveals mottled transitions from pale celadon green to smoky brown and black within the stone. While the clean symmetry and precise drillwork signal contemporary craftsmanship, the blade's design channels the power and elegance of China's earliest ceremonial jades. The yue blades of the Liangzhu culture (ca. 3300 to 2300 BCE) often served as symbols of authority, just as this modern piece carries an aura of elevated ritual. Echoes of Shang and Zhou bronze dao blades can be seen in the cutting edge and commanding form, while the jade's natural patterning suggests the quiet complexity of Qijia knives. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 200326

Estimate:£186.88

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