A CELADON JADE CEREMONIAL AXE, QI SHANG DYNASTY |

of trapezoidal form, with a flat butt end flaring outwards to a bevelled curved cutting edge, each of the long sides similarly bevelled and outlined with projections formed with teeth flanked by a pair of notches, the butt pierced with an aperture, the stone of a yellowish olive-green colour with extensive milky-white areas accentuated with russet striations

Hei-chi collection.
Roger Keverne, London, 2005.

Fine and Rare Chinese Works of Art and Ceramics: Winter Exhibition, Roger Keverne, London, 2004, cat. no. 87.

Robert P. Youngman, The Youngman Collection of Chinese Jades from Neolithic to Qing, Chicago, 2008, pl. 22.

The axe is in good condition with just extremely light surface wear and minute nibbles to the fragile extremities, as expected of its age and type.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A closely related jade axe from the tomb of Fu Hao is illustrated in The Jades from Yinxu, Beijing, 1981, pl. 25, no. 459. Compare also jade axes illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pp. 176-8.