An archaic pale brown jade notched blade (Fu), Shang dynasty | 商 玉斧

The ancient Chinese character of 'father' depicted a hand holding an axe, representing a leader of a family or a tribe. The word also shares the same pronunciation as an axe (fu). In ancient Chinese culture, jade axes would be deemed as a symbol of status and prestige. This jade fu of mottled green tone with beveled notches and two perforations appears to be used as a component to a wooden pole.

Compare a related axe, illustrated in Max Loehr, Ancient Chinese Jades, The Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 1975, p.48, fig.18; and another of a smaller size, formerly in the collection of Baron and Baroness von Oertzen, sold twice at Christie's London, 4 November 2008, lot 116 and 3 November 2020, lot 4.