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Chinese Neolithiic Hongshan Black Jade 3-Hole Chariot Fitting with Pictographs

$ 1188

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Age: c. 3,000 BC
  • Condition: This Immortal black jade fitting has no major chips, cracks, repairs, or restorations. Calcification, differential weathering & minor pitting are evident. Museum Quality! There are several Extremely RARE ancient Chinese pictographs/characters in low relief on this jade pendant, including some INSIDE the center hole! I've translated them into English. Please see photos as they are part of the description. Thank You for looking!
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Type: 3-Hole Jade Chariot Fitting
  • Dynasty/Culture: Hongshan Culture
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Primary Material: Jade
  • Color: Black
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Region of Origin: China

    Description

    ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
    Artifacts, Antiques & Fine Collect
    i
    bles
    Chinese Neolithic Black Jade
    Chariot Fitting for
    the Father
    Ritual Chariot Fitting with Slotted Center Hole
    Three Vertical Holes to Hold the Horse's Reigns
    English Translation of Pictographic Characters
    c.  Hongshan Culture
    4500 BC--2250 BC
    Original & Authentic
    with
    English Translation of the Chinese Pictographs
    “In the Presence of My Ancestors, I the Son Offer on Behalf of  My Father
    These Precious Gifts of Meat, Wine, and Jade to My Ancestors in Heaven (
    Tien
    )”
    ~English Translation Provided by ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
    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
    This unique, black jade chariot fitting dates to China’s Neolithic period and is about 5,000 years old and
    is made of pure, Black Nephrite Jade that weighs about 3.3 oz. (94 grams).
    This small, jade fitting measures
    approximately 2.73” (69 mm) in width x 1.49” (38 mm) tall x 1.02” (26mm) thick.
    The largest, pictographic character appears to be that of the ancient form of the character “
    Fu
    ” which means
    Father
    .
    It is composed of the right hand with a single, horizontal line above the hand that symbolizes a stick.
    In this case, the Father is considered as the chief and head of his family. (see macro photo # 4)
    In the center of the fitting, the large mounting hole has been slotted with a square groove, which suggests the fitting was meant to be secure from rotating when a male-slotted pin was inserted into its matching female groove.(see photo # 6)
    In addition, there are three vertical holes that intersect the main, center mounting hole.
    I suggest that these three holes would have held the horse's reigns or leads on the chariot.
    There are dozens of tiny pictographic characters that have been incised into the jade; they include:
    ·
    Ancestors
    ·
    Sons of the Father
    ·
    Grandsons
    ·
    Sons sacrificing numerous animals for their Father
    Offerings of Meat, Wine, and Jade
    ·
    Plus dozens more…
    Roughly translated, it says:
    “In the Presence of My Ancestors, I the Son Offer on Behalf of My Father
    These Precious Gifts of Meat, Wine, and Jade to My Ancestors in Heaven (
    Tien
    )”
    These characters are carved in the earliest Chinese script that was used before Seal Script was used starting about 2,500 BC.
    My translation of these graphics confirms that the Son of his Father offered precious gifts of meat, wine, and jade on behalf of his father to their Ancestors in Heaven.
    In ancient China, this jade amulet was an offering to the gods and ancestors in Heaven, and it 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 5,000 years-ago!
    I Guarantee it to be authentic and original!
    Condition
    As noted above, although this jade offering is  signs of differential weathering and micro-jade crystals, it has a wonderful ancient patina.
    It has not been repaired or restored and is in “as found” condition.
    All the holes have
    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 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 axe 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.
    Please examine the photos taken at 4x macro carefully as they are part of the description.
    The stand and AA battery are not part of the auction, just included to give you a better perspective.
    And please ask any questions before you buy.
    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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    International buyers are responsible for all import duties and taxes. No returns are authorized.