Ancient Chinese Jade Owl & Ancestor's Ritual Axe "Jue" Heaven w/Translation

Description

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
Artifacts, Antiques & Fine Collect
i
bles
Ancient Neolithic Chinese Jade Axe
Owl and Ancestors Ceremonial
Axe (
Jue
)
Immortality Heaven (
Ti'en
) Tablet
XLG Ritual Axe
c.
Hongshan Culture
4500 BC--2250 BC
Original & Authentic
with
English Translation of Chinese Characters!
“The Soul of this Man calls out to the Ancestors for Entrance into Heaven (Ti’en).”
”
est.
4
,000 Years Old!
This RARE and very beautiful ancient, Neolithic Chinese Owl/Heaven/Axe (called a
Jue
in Chinese) is made of pure, Nephrite Jade that weighs about  1.85 lbs. (.835 kg.)
.
It has turned a wonderful shade of dark brown with highlights of burnt orange from the iron in the damp soil for over 4,000 years!
This ceremonial Nephrite Jade Axe weighs about 1.85 lbs. (835 gr.) and is about 10.75" (275 mm) tall x 3.75" (95 mm) wide x .95" (24 mm) thick.
It has a wonderful, original patina with no major chips, cracks, repairs, or restorations. Only surface scratches, calcification and differential weathering & pitting. Museum Quality patina!
There are three, Extremely RARE ancient Chinese characters in low relief on one side of this jade tablet, that I have translated into English. {see photo # 4}
While the other side has three, parallel lines that represent Heaven, Earth, and Mankind.  {see photo # 9}
This ancient jade tablet is shaped like an axe, with a large Owl on top and with two, holes in the top that would have served as a suspension holes.
The shape of the ritual axe is thought to scare away Evil Spirits, who were thought to lurk everywhere and who could prevent the soul of man from reaching immortality in Heaven.
The three, horizontal lines on the top represents the Chinese character (
San
): which means "Heaven, Earth, and Mankind."
{See photo # 9-11}
There are several ancient Chinese pictographs (characters) carved into the stone in low relief that I have translated below into English.
These characters are carved in the earliest Chinese script called “
Ku’wen
” or Large Seal Script.
{see translation below}
In ancient China, this jade axe was thought to be able to carry safely the spirit of the deceased to Heaven (
Ti’en
” in Chinese) and immortality.
Jade was thought to represent Heaven and was considered more precious than gold in ancient China.
Chinese experts estimate that it was made during the late Hongshan Culture (4500 BC--2250 BC) of ancient China about 4,000 years-ago!
I Guarantee it to be authentic and original!
Details:
This stunning jade amulet is made of solid Nephrite jade.
Although heavily pitted, it has a wonderful ancient patina from the iron that has been absorbed into the once green jade after being buried in damp soil for over 4,000 years.
This iron in the soil has turned this jade amulet a wonderful color saddle-brown with burnt-orange accents!
WOW!!
It is a very early example and is one of the few examples that has several ancient Chinese characters (pictographs) in low relief carved into both sides of the ritual axe/tablet.
Both the front and back of the ceremonial axe have a carved owl (
strigidae)
on top with large, round eyes and his wings at rest on his body.
If you look carefully, you can even see his small, hooked beak.
In ancient China, the owl was also the symbol of a Grand Duke. It is possible that this table was made as an offering to honor the passing of a person that held the position as a Grand Duke, although it was common to use the owl symbol on jade Hongshan tablets used in burial rituals.
There are two suspension holes drilled through the jade axe at the owl’s feet.
These holes are classified by experts as “double-bevel holes” and are period correct in every way.
Under magnification, one can see they were made with stone drills driven by hand at slow speed.
On both sides, there are two sets of tear-drop shaped, Ancestor Eyes looking directly, with benevolence, at the offerings left at the temple sanctuary.
These angular eyes, separated by two registers, are those of the famous
Tao’tie
, a mythological creature thought to scare away evil spirits.  Under 10x magnification, one can see several tiny characters that include "Son offering sacrifices to the Gods, Speaking, Heart, etc." that were cut inside each eye!  This detailed work is amazing!!  It it the first time I have ever seen Chinese characters/graphics cut into the pupil of the eyes of an ancestor!  Truly unique!!
On the front of the axe, there are three, large characters on the right side of the 10.75’ tall jade axe.
These very early, Chinese graphics and the first written symbols used in Neolithic China.
Here is my best translation of these three graphics, listed from top to bottom:
1.
The first graphic looks like a small ladder lat the letter "H" with an extra horizontal line.
I believe this is a very early depiction of the Chinese character "
Kung
"—two hands joined together to present this precious jade axe to the ancestors.
2.
The second symbol is that of a mouth or to speak.
In this case, it means the soul of the departed in calling out to the ancestors in Heaven.
3.
The last graphic has a single stroke and looks sort of like a snake.
It appears to be an ancient from of the Chinese character “I” that means germination of a seed.
In this sense, it means a movement from one form to another, specifically the soul moving from life on earth to eternal life in Heaven (
Ti’en
).
English translation of inscription:
“The Soul of this Man calls out to the Ancestors for Entrance into Heaven (Ti’en).”
In addition to the three large characters, there are several much smaller characters (some as small as 2 mm) that were carved into both the front and back of this amazing yue-axe!
There are characters for: ancestor, son, speaking, ritual offering, etc.
The differential weathering and pitting make it difficult to read and thus translate all the tiny characters, but if you look carefully you can see them, but 10x magnification really helps.
Jade seems to have had a particular role and position in the Hongshan to Shang Cultures as it is the principal and often the sole type of burial good. All the types of jades appear to have been of decorative nature either being worn directly on the body or sewed onto cloths or attached to wooden utensils.
Essentially, no jade artifacts were found in excavations of period houses indicating the important symbolic value of them. The jades found have a variable surface finish. Some of the seem to have been hastily shaped and worked, just for the burial, whereas others are highly polished and show traces of wear indicating that many generations have worn them before they were laid into the grave of either the last owner or of an elite member of the family or tribe.
Owls in Neolithic China
Among the many animal motifs used in early Chinese art, the representation of the owl – commonly called a “screech owl” and “horned owl” in China – is one of the most prominent yet most mysterious images. There are nearly 30 different subspecies in the owl family, and among these the most familiar ones are the long-eared Eurasian eagle owl (
diao xiao
), the long-eared owl (
chang’er xiao
) and the short-eared tawny owl (
duan’er xiao
). In its natural habitat, the owl is an extraordinary nocturnal bird, with binocular vision and binaural hearing. It makes a harsh call and catches its prey in the dark. As it preys on rats and other small animals that damage crops, it is considered useful in agriculture.  As an important animal, we can trace its artistic development from the earliest times.
There was also in the Neolithic a tradition of stone carving that was developed from very early times. Jade was used as early as the fifth millennium BC for making personal ornaments and small animal sculptures.  In recent years, the surprising discoveries of the early cultures have provided many significant examples of carved jades. The discovery of jade carvings of small owl-like birds (fig. 3), together with jades in the form of turtles and dragons, at sites of the Hongshan culture (c. 4000-3000BC) in northeast China has revealed new aspects of prehistoric art. Although we do not know the exact meaning of the animal motifs, the context of these finds – they were unearthed from the tombs of community chiefs or religious figures (shaman) – suggests that these creatures were part of the religious system.
The terrifying screech and nocturnal behavior of the owl would have fit perfectly the perception of abnormality in ritual and magic; its physical appearance also reminds people of a warrior. In ancient Greece, the owl was a sacred bird associated with Athena, the goddess of war, wisdom and the crafts; and for the Etruscans, the owl was regarded as a deity who received human sacrifices.
It is not difficult to imagine that the owl might have played a significant role in Shang beliefs, and this suggestion was first voiced in the 1960s and 1970s, when Hu Houxuan argued that the Shang people had the bird as their totem.  Even more relevant for our discussion is the theory proposed by several scholars, that the mythical black-bird (
xuanniao
) from which the Shang people were believed to have originated was an owl.
According to Sun Xinzhou,
strigidae
(owl) worship existed in the Shang dynasty, and the mythical ancestor Di Jun (also known as Di Ku, Shun) can be identified with the bird deity who was also the productive god, agriculture protector and solar god for the Shang people. Although his argument is grounded in the old totemic framework, the suggestion of the owl being the
xuanniao
or black bird is certainly worthy of investigation.
Thus, the evidence from Shang archaeology and historical literature render it quite possible that the Shang people believed in some mythical relationship with the owl. Liu Dunyuan has argued that the Shang people perceived the owl as the god of night and dreams, as well as the messenger between the human and the spirit world – on account of its silent flight and hunting in darkness.  If so, this would explain why the owl is employed repeatedly in Shang ritual art and is found in a burial context, as we have seen in the examples previously discussed.
The top suspension holes are called "double-bevel hole" that were drilled by hand, from each side with a slow-speed drill.
The holes are period correct and show the growth of tiny micro-crystals of jade inside the bore holes and on the surface of the axe.
This chemical reaction can only happen after a piece of carved jade has been buried for thousands of years in damp soil.
These tiny crystals almost look like white powder and should never be cleaned off or removed as they attest to the authenticity of the piece.
{REF: "
JADE
" by Roger Keverne, pg. 57. This is an excellent reference book that can be found on eBay.}
In ancient China, this ritual axe would have been placed in the tomb or temple of the departed by his family to protect him or her from evil spirits on his journey to the afterlife and to allow him/her to enter Heaven.
It would also show the ancestors and spirits that he was a wealthy and honorable person whose “perfect work” would allow him immortality in Heaven.
TRANSLATION
This lovely amulet contains several ancient, Chinese pictographic characters that have been carved in low relief and incorporated into the design of this amulet.
I have been able to read and translate the larger characters, but their are dozens of smaller ones have been obscured by the extensive pitting and weathering this jade amulet suffered when it was buried in the damp earth over 4,000-years-ago.
English translation of inscription:
“The Soul of this Man calls out to the Ancestors for Entrance into Heaven (Ti’en).”
In addition to the four large characters, there are dozens of much smaller characters (some as small as 2 mm) that were carved into both the front and back of this amazing yue-axe!
There are characters for: ancestor, son, speaking, ritual offering, etc.
The differential weathering and pitting make it difficult to read and thus translate all the tiny characters, but if you look carefully you can see them without magnification.
Jade was highly prized by these early civilizations in China and it was thought to have positive energy to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune to all who wore a piece on their person--in life and in death. Jade was also believed to be a portal or messenger that could carry prayers to Heaven and send messages to those on Earth from departed ancestors and Gods in Heaven.
This ancient amulet is a fine work of art and it is truly a museum quality study piece of great historical significance.
Because of its cultural significance, it is highly recommended that this item be for display only.
Condition
As noted above, although this jade pendant is heavily pitted and shows signs of differential weathering, it has a wonderful ancient patina.
It has not been repaired or restored and is in “as found” condition.
The jade pendant has one hole that would have been used for suspension around the neck.  The hole was been drilled by ancient hand tools at low RPM from both sides of the amulet--see 4x macro photos.  These are period correct and have a wonderful layer of calcium and micro-crystalline jade inside the bore holes--just perfect.
I have examined this piece under 10x and 80x magnification and it shows no signs of modern tool marks--only hand tools were used to make this amulet.
It has been cut, carved, shaped, and drilled with ancient hand tools.
I also examined it under Black Light and found no signs of repairs or modern carving.
Modern drills would have drilled the hole straight and true--and not larger on the outer edge of the hole.
Thus, this ancient, drilled hole is another sign that this amulet is original and authentic.
Price & Value
I have carefully examined this ancient jade statue and I
GUARANTEE
it to be 100% original and authentic or your money back!  The hand tool marks left in the jade by the master stone artist who carved, shaped, and engraved this work of art appear to be consistent with those marks of other ancient jades I have examined.
Each object I sell is professionally researched, translated (if I can...(smile), and compared with similar objects in the collections of the finest museums in the world. I have been dealing in fine antiquities for over 45 years and although certainly not an expert in every field, I have been honored to appraise, buy, collect, and enjoy and recently sell some of the finest ancient art in the world. When in doubt, I have worked with dozens of subject matter experts to determine the condition and authenticity of numerous antiquities and antiques. This careful examination helps to insure you are buying quality items and helps to protect your investment. There are many modern reproductions or "fakes" on the market today, so be sure and buy only from experts in the field.
This RARE Jade Axe has an auction appraisal of 5,000 to 0,000 USD!!
Note: For reference on how to purchase authentic archaic jade, may I refer you to an excellent book published in 2009 by Stephen Payne called "
How to Purchase Archaic Jade.
" He shows in great detail how the experts determine the age and date of ancient Chinese Jade. This book is well worth the price if you are just starting your collection or if you are a seasoned "expert" and can be purchased on eBay.
Please examine the photos taken at 4x macro carefully as they are part of the description.
The stand and ruler are not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.
And please ask any questions before you buy.
I
GUARANTEE
this statue is ancient and authentic or your money back!
REFERENCES
Museum of Chinese History, Beijing
The Ancestral Landscape
, David N. Knightley, 2000
The Great Bronze Age of China
, edited by Wen Fong, MET, 1980
Changhua Annals of the Republic of China
(1911–1949)
British Museum,
Jessica Rawson
Smithsonian Museum, Sackler & Freer Gallery, WDC
MET, New York
Zhan Academy.org
"
JADE
" by Roger Keverne
Please examine the photos taken at 4x macro carefully as they are part of the description.
The stand and ruler are not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.
And please ask any questions before you buy.
Buyers Fee that auction houses charge.
Note:
Please ask any questions you may have before you bid!  Thanks for Looking!
Per e-Bay's rules, PayPal only please!
THANKS!
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