JADE CEREMONIAL BLADE, YUE

Neolithic period, 3000 – 1900 BC

Length: 6 3/4 inches, 17.3 cm

Width: 3 3/4 inches, 9.2 cm

玉钺

A jade ceremonial blade, yue, of roughly rectangular shape. Two circular holes are pierced at the top and one down the side. The stone is of non-translucent variegated grey tone.

The yue is a symbol of power and used for honour guards and rituals.