JADE CEREMONIAL BLADE, QI

Neolithic period, 3000 – 1900 BC

Length: 8 3/4 inches, 22.3 cm

Width: 7 1/4 inches, 18.5 cm

玉戚

A ceremonial blade, qi, of typical shape with a sharp, flared edge at the bottom and notched sides. The blade has a single circular aperture at the top and another smaller at the side. A half circular aperture can be seen at the top. The stone is of variegated grey-green tone with some black flecks.

The qi blade is used as a high-level yue.