Exotic Jades

Warring States, Wine Container, H.16cm

The main structure of the artifact consists of a sheep and an octagon container. The pronunciation of sheep in Chinese is similar to auspicious things. The octagon container which has the meaning of treasure safe is used for holding wine. The octagon container has been inserted into the container formed by the sheep body. Two knights are seen for the artifact. One carrying a sword sits on the head of the sheep. The other climbs on the upper rear part of the container. Both knights are seen have big ears, beards, with the upper part of the body bared, wearing leaves skirts. The sheep’s horn has the typical Warring States motif of rope. The sheep’s body has the thin incised lines popular in this period. A mythical animal with rope motif for its tail and curling feather strips motifs on each side of the body. The back side of the container is seen a god’s face. The four corners have connected crops motif. Both sides of the container have flying dragon with thin incised curling clouds. The artifact is made Hotan jade with antiquity evidence of aging phenomena of brown markings. The workmanship and the carving of the artifact are spectacular and elegant.
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