Lot 94
East Asia, China, Neolithic period, ca. 3000 to 2000 BCE. A beautifully shaped stone ceremonial blade that balances austerity with quiet visual drama, its form defined by a softly rounded top, tapering body, and a precisely drilled circular perforation near the upper register. The silhouette recalls early ritual axe blades or pendants, objects whose authority lay not in utility but in symbolism, material, and finish. Carved from a pale stone mottled with warm rust and ochre inclusions, the surface displays a naturally occurring marbled pattern that animates the otherwise restrained geometry. The stone has been carefully ground and polished, lending the blade a smooth, tactile presence while preserving subtle variations in color and texture that speak to the raw material itself. Size: 3.7" W x 7" H (9.4 cm x 17.8 cm)
Perforated blades of this type are generally understood as ceremonial or status objects rather than functional tools. The drilled aperture suggests suspension or attachment, possibly worn or displayed as an emblem of rank, ritual role, or ancestral connection. In Neolithic China, stone blades carried deep cosmological and social meaning, often associated with authority, lineage, and the mediation between human and spiritual realms.
Elegant in its simplicity and compelling in its material character, this ceremonial blade offers a striking example of early Chinese ritual craftsmanship, where form, stone, and symbolism converge with deliberate restraint.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#200327
- Condition: A few minor nicks and abrasions, as well as softening to blade edge, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with a beautiful presentation and silky smooth surfaces.
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|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |