1. (Undated Folder Sheet note) The refinement in the elongated shape of this sturdy axe provides eloquent proof of the remarkable achievements of Chinese artisans during the Neolithic period. Both of the lateral edges of the rectangular axe are slightly concave, with the lower, cutting edge having a pronounced curve. When seen from the side, the axe has a slightly tapering, lentoid body. All of the surfaces are polished to a smooth luster. The interior of the single, conical perforation on the upper portion of the axe is also carefully finished.
From information now available from archaeological sites in the People's Republic of China, it is clear that jade axes of this type were produced as burial objects and were not meant for practical use. Comparable jade axes have been found in Late Neolithic sites in the eastern coastal areas of China.
2. (Jeffrey Smith per Keith Wilson, July 8, 2008) Tool and Equipment added as secondary classification.
3. (Susan Kitsoulis per Keith Wilson, April 20, 2010) Object name changed from "Axe (fu 斧)" to "Ceremonial object."
4. (Najiba Choudhury per Keith Wilson, August 14, 2017) Title changed from "Axe (fu)" to "Axe (fu 斧)"; period one changed from "Neolithic period" to "Late Neolithic period"; date changed from "ca. 2500 BCE" to "ca. 5000-ca. 1700 BCE"; added "Longshan culture (ca. 3000-ca. 1700 BCE) as an object constituent; and medium changed from "Jade" to "Jade (nephrite)".
5. (Najiba Choudhury per Keith Wilson, December 14, 2018) Removed the following date "ca. 5000-ca. 1700 BCE" and added "ca. 3000-ca. 1700 BCE"; added Chinese translation by Jingmin Zhang; added the following to the description field, "Axe blade, green jade with gray markings, attachment hole. (Many nicks; large flaw on one side; chips in corners; old labels adhere.)"; and added past label text by Thomas Lawton.
Usage conditions apply
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections..
International Image Interoperability Framework