A STRIKING DARK GREEN JADE SCABBARD CHAPE WITH A GEOMETRIC DESIGN
A STRIKING DARK GREEN JADE SCABBARD CHAPE WITH A GEOMETRIC DESIGN
Jade
China, Western Han Dynasty, 3rd - 2nd century BC
This scabbard chape has a slender profile and an elliptical crosssection: the curving sides create the illusion that the jade is taller than in reality, but the difference in length between the top and lateral sides is actually only 3 mm. The two flat sides are decorated with a seemingly abstract pattern formed of alternating c-scrolls bordered by a plain band, commonly seen carved on this type of jade sword ornament. The design actually also includes a highly stylized taotie 饕餮, or animal mask, that can be discerned near the longer edge, as shown in one of the accompanying photographs. The top and bottom are flat but there are three holes at the top that were used to secure the ornament to the scabbard. The jade is strongly corroded, due to burial, and the original green colour is only faintly visible.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 5.9 CM – WIDTH 5.6 CM
Condition: Strong corrosion, otherwise good, complete condition
Provenance: From an Austrian collection