Jade Pig Amulet #1 w/Translation Ancient Chinese Liangzhu Dyn.Neolithic 3000 BC

Description

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
Artifacts, Antiques & Fine Collect
i
bles
Chinese Jade Pig
(
Bā)
Amulet
# 1
Ritual Offering to the Ancestors
c. Liangzhu Culture
3500 BC—2100 BC
A gentleman always carried a jade pendant, as a symbol of class and
to remind him the virtues of a gentleman,
since those virtues were found in jade.
—Confucius
NOTE:
William D. Houghton, the President of ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
, a State of Washington Licensed Business,
assumes all responsibility for the information contained in this description and for the English translation and transcription of the ancient Chinese graphic characters.
Furthermore, I prohibit the further dissemination of this information in any written, video, or electronic format without my expressed, written approval.
Thank You!
SUMMARY
Item:
Chinese Jade Ritual Pig Offering Amulet # 1
Material:
Highly polished nephrite jade
Culture:
Liangzhu Culture
Est. Date:
3500 BC—2200 BC
Measurements:
·
Height:
1.43” (36mm)
·
Width:
4.00” (102mm)
·
Depth:
1.19” (30mm)
·
Weight:
7.4 oz. (210 gr.)
Condition:
This nephrite jade, Liangzhu Culture pig (in Chinese (
Bā
) amulet is in museum quality condition.
The celadon green jade has turned an amazing shade of orange/brown from the iron and other elements in the damp soil that have been absorbed into and from the jade after being buried for thousands of years.
This patina should never be removed, because the natural patina is one way to identify an authentic Liangzhu jade.
It has common, surface jade fissures, but it does not appear to have been repaired or restored and does not affect the condition or value.
Provenance: This amulet/pendant is one of several items that was obtained from a private collector in China.
I believe these pendants would have been included in an Emperor’s tomb or
high-status
temple to provide him a safe journey and eternal life in Heaven.
This is the first time it has been offered for sale in the United States.
NOTE:
These items offered for sale by Ancient Civilizations are unconditionally guaranteed authentic. They were legally imported to the United States years ago and are legal to sell and own under U.S. Statute Title 19, Chapter 14, Code 2611, Convention on Cultural Property.
DETAILS
This lovely jade pig amulet dates to the Neolithic Chinese people known as the Liangzhu Culture (3500 BC—2100 BC.)
The Liangzhu are believed to have been the first people in China to ever use jade as a marker of social status and one of the first Chinese cultures to domestic pigs for food and sacrifice.  Amulets such as this one served as a protective amulet against Evil Spirits that could prevent the man’s soul from reaching immortality in Heaven.
Jade (called the “Stone of Heaven” by the Chinese) is priceless.  Testifying to how much the Chinese are fond of jade is this time-honored proverb: “Gold may have a price, but jade is priceless.” The value of gold can be determined by measuring its weight. Not jade. The value of a piece of jade is “assessed” by taking numerous factors into account. For example, the luster, purity and color, the sound it produces when struck, and when the jade piece was discovered or when and where a jade artifact was produced can affect a piece’s value.
The amulet likely represents the ritual sacrifice of a pig for the Ancestors.  It may also be the wish for the successful breeding of a new litter of pigs to supply food for the community.
There is a single suspension hole located through the pig's tail.  It is classified as a "double conical hole" and is period correct for this time period.  It was drilled by hand with slow-speed drills from both sides.
English Translation of Early Chinese Characters
As noted above, this lovely amulet contains some Chinese pictographic characters that have been incised into the jade the amulet.  We know that this amulet was made in the mid-Liangzhu Culture because of the characters on this amulet, as this Neolithic culture did not begin using this type of character instead of pictographs (also called graphics) until about 3,000 BC.  {Ref: Chinese Characters, Wieger, S.J., pg. 366.
The characters are normally written to offer sacrifice to the Ancestors and plead that they accept the soul of the departed into Heaven (
Tien
) for eternal life.  The 3 parallel lines you see on the top of the pig's snout and on his back are the ancient Chinese character "
San
" which represents the the number of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity or three.  This character represents the power of jade and of the amulet to transport the soul of the departed safely from Earth to the Heavens and eternal life.
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.
Please examine the macro photos carefully as they are part of the description.
The AA battery and stand are not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.
And please ask any questions before you buy.
International Buyers are responsible for all import duties, import taxes, shipping charges and insurance costs.
International Returns are
NOT
accepted.
Note:
Please ask any questions you may have before you bid!  Thanks for Looking!