RARE Ancient Chinese 3 lb. Black Jade Heavenly Sword w/Inscription+ Translation!

Description

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
Artifacts, Antiques & Fine Collect
i
bles
Neolithic Chinese Ceremonial Black Jade Sword
Hongshan Culture
c. 3500 BC—2200 BC
“In the Presence of My Ancestors, I Offer Meat and a Libation of Wine to ‘Da’ the Supreme Ruler in Heaven (Ti’en)
as My Soul Rises from this Tomb and Enters Heaven as a New-Born Child”
~English Translation of the Inscription on this Black Jade Sword
Ceremonial Taotie/Ancestor Black Jade Sword (
Magnetic
)
Approximate Measurements:
·
Weight:
3.0 lbs.
(1.38 kg)
·
Long:
15.75” (400 mm)
·
Wide:
4.25” (101 mm)
·
High:
.84”
(21 mm)
Material:
Black Jade that is magnetic—a very rare type of jade.
Condition:
Very Good museum quality jade artifact.
Jade shows very heavy pitting and differential weathering, but no repairs or restorations.
Summary
This oversized, ceremonial, Neolithic Chinese Sword is made from one piece of Nephrite Black Jade that weighs about 3 lbs. (1.38 kg)!
WOW!!
The use of such a large piece of black jade to make this fantastic sword suggests the high aristocratic or court status of the deceased it was meant to honor.
But what makes it especially RARE is that the Black Jade in magnetic!
Black jade is infused with graphic deep within the earth and i
n all my years of collecting Chinese antiquities, I have only found one other Hongshan jade offering that was made of magnetic, black jade—and that piece has been in my personal collection for decades.
Chinese experts estimate that this large jade sword was a funerary offering made during the Hongshan Culture of ancient China about 4,000-years-ago!
Extravagant burials were common among the aristocratic elite of ancient China.
Death was regarded as similar to life, and all the things a person might use while alive were copied (sometimes in a smaller form) and moved into his tomb for use in his soul’s immortal rebirth.
The use of ceremonial jade and bronze funerary items was strictly controlled by the warlords and emperors.
The size and number of funerary objects one could have in one’s tomb and/or temple were strictly controlled.
English Translation of Inscription
This heavy sword contains three, large ancient, Chinese pictographic characters as well as several other smaller characters that have been incorporated into the design of this sword.
This jade sword contains some very early pictographic (also called ideographic) characters as well as ancient Chinese
Ku'wen
(large seal script) characters.
This would suggest that it dates to about 2,000 BC and a time before scribes used exclusively
Ku’wen
characters.
The use of two types of characters also perhaps suggests that the three large characters were carved as much as 1,000 years after the original sword was crafted in about 3,000 BC.
On the handle of the Sword there are two, elongated, tear-shaped symbols {see photo # 2}.
These are one of the most frequently used symbols in Neolithic China.
They are neither a flame nor the smell of incense, but rather the smell of the offering of cooked meat as it ascends towards the Ancestors in Heaven.
At the temples located above the royal tombs, the descendants would make offerings to the ancestors to insure the soul of the departed would be granted eternal life in Heaven.
Once in Heaven, the departed soul would be able to assist his family living back on earth by warding off Evil Spirits that caused disease and death.
The guard portion of the sword {see photo # 10} has a representation of an Ancestor’s Eyes that are watching over the offering and providing protection from Evil Spirits.
Look carefully and you can see his round pupils and even his eyebrows!
Some archeologists also believe that this is a representation a fierce, mythical creature called a “
Tao’tie
,” who was also thought to scare away Evil Spirts and allow the soul of the departed person to enter Heaven.
The creature’s mouth represents an auspicious cloud that again will provide verbal protection against Evil Spirits and announce the Soul to the ancestors as he/she enters Heaven.
I have provided the following literal English translation of the three, large, compound characters (see photo # 8}:
1.
The top character appears to show the left hand offering a libation of ritual wine that has been poured on grass (or tow) that would later be burned as a sacrifice when the ceremony was over.
It is unusual to see the left hand performing this offering to the ancestors.
2.
The middle character can be translated as “The Supreme Ruler of Heaven,” who was a god named “Da.”
3.
The bottom character that looks sort of like a ghost is perhaps the most interesting.
It is a very old pictographic symbol that actually represents a new-born child rising from a hole in the earth—in this case an underground tomb.
The idea expressed here is that the soul of the departed person has been reborn as a child who is entering eternal life in Heaven (called “
Ti’en
” in Chinese).
Therefore, a literal translation of the ancient inscription on this jade sword would be as follows:
“In the Presence of My Ancestors, I Offer Meat and a Libation of Wine to ‘Da’ the Supreme Ruler in Heaven (Ti’en)
as My Soul Rises from this Tomb and Enters Heaven as a New-Born Child”
The inscription suggests that this amazing ceremonial sword was presented as an offering to the Ancestors that was held on a temple built over the tomb of a powerful warlord or ruling aristocratic.
The sons and family members often held monthly and yearly ceremonies on the anniversary of the death of the person.
This jade sword would have been part of the offering that included both meat and wine for the Ancestors.
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 more precious than gold and the ancients believed that only jade could be the portal or messenger that could carry prayers to Heaven, as well as being able to send messages to those on Earth from departed ancestors and Gods in Heaven.
This ancient sword is an exceptional work of Chinese Neolithic art and it is truly a museum quality piece of great historical significance.
Its beauty and attention to detail is remarkable!
This ancient jade ceremonial Sword is a fine work of art and it is truly museum quality.
It would also make a super Gift!
Condition:
This black jade ceremonial sword is in excellent, museum quality condition, with no repairs or restorations.
While in a private collection in China many years ago, it was professionally cleaned to reveal the carved details and characters that were engraved into the sword.
Although this “cleaning” is not recommended nowadays, it has the benefit of revealing details that would have been hidden under layers of earthen and mineral deposits.
The jade sword has three holes that have been drilled by ancient hand tools from both sides of the sword--see 4x macro photos.
The holes are classified as “double-bevel holes” and are period correct.
They 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, these ancient, drilled holes are 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! I’ve looked under 10x magnification under both natural and Black Light and I can find no signs of any modern tool work or repairs. The hand tool marks left in the jade by the master stone artist who carved, shaped, and engrave 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.
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.
Price & Value
I have carefully examined this ancient jade item and I
GUARANTEE
it to be 100% original and authentic or your money back! I’ve looked under 10x magnification under both natural and Black Light and I can find no signs of any modern tool work or repairs. The hand tool marks left in the jade by the master stone artist who carved, shaped, and engrave 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.
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 is 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!
My wholesale price is at least 90
% off
what this amazing Chinese Black Jade Sword would be priced at in a fine Gallery or at a private auction!!  And on eBay, you don't have to pay a 25% 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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