jade Jade Mask Pectoral
Provincial Han Dynasty
Circa 100 BC
China

This large jade pectoral was worn on a priest/shaman's chest in ancient rituals. It dates from the Han period, but the design is provincial. The mask is carved from a solid piece of jade. There is a single bow drilled piercing at the top so the piece could be suspended from the neck. It still has smooth encrustation from mineral deposits during its burial, but appears to have been exhumed for generations. This is a beautiful, large piece of archaic Chinese jade. 7-1/4" (18.4 cm) tall and 5-1/2" (13 cm) wide. It has been laboratory tested for authenticity.

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