An archaic jade blade (Ge), Early Shang dynasty | 商 玉戈

Excavations from the elite tombs of the Shang dynasty show remarkable quantities of jade with outstanding craftmanship, especially the ceremonial jade blades. A wide variety of jade ge were discovered in these tombs such as the Tomb of Fu Hao, of c. 1200 BC, at Anyang, with some highlighting the delicate carved patterns, while others showcasing the natural quality of the jade stone. This blade with a bevelled long tang and a flat surface accentuates the translucent quality of the stone with its natural inclusions, which expands from the bottom with fluidity and elusive patterns, posing a striking contrast with the sharp edged blade. The level of workmanship that shaped the blade with the natural inclusions of the stone reflect the importance of its owner.

Compare a similar blade with long tang in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, illustrated in Max Loehr, Ancient Chinese Jades, The Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 1975, p.54, fig.28; and another blade from the Yangdetang Collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 November 2017, lot 2720.