1. (Undated Folder Sheet note) The refinement in the shape of this sturdy axe provides eloquent proof of the remarkable achievements of Chinese artisans during the Neolithic period. Each of the four edges of the rectangular axe is slightly convex, with the lower, cutting edge having a pronounced curve. When seen from the side, the axe has a slightly tapering, lentoid body. Except for the butt, all of the surfaces are polished to a smooth luster. The single, biconical (?) perforation is placed to one side, some distance from the butt.
Polished axes of this type have been found in sites located in Southeast China that can be dated to the fourth millennium BCE. The Sackler axe can also be assigned to that area 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, 8/14/17) Object name changed from "Axe (fu)" to "Axe (fu 斧)"; period one changed from "Neolithic period" to "Late Neolithic period"; date changed to "ca. 5000-ca. 1700 BCE"; medium changed from "Jade" to "Jade (nephrite)".
5. (Najiba Choudhury per Keith Wilson, December 14, 2018) Chinese Translation added by Jingmin Zhang; added the following to the description field, "Light green jade with beige and brown and black specks. Hole for hafting at top edge and to one side. Traces of basketwork. (Two areas where object is rough and degraded. Otherwise intact.)"; and changed the date to "ca. 5000-ca. 1700 BCE" to "ca. 3000-ca. 1700 BCE".
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