1. (Jeffrey Smith per Keith Wilson, July 29, 2008) "Jewelry" and "Ornament" added as secondary classification.
2. (Najiba Choudhury per Keith Wilson, February 9, 2023) Date changed from "4th-3rd century BCE" to "475-221 BCE"; added Chinese translation by Jingmin Zhang; and added Unpublished Research by Jenny F. So.
Draft catalogue entry (no. 375) for S2012.9.1068 for the catalogue of the Singer Collection (1970--1990); by Jenny F. So
Hook
Eastern Zhou 周 dynasty, Warring States period, 4th-3rd century BCE
Jade
Length 4.1 cm (1 9/16 in)
This small buckle is distinguished by its simple, geometric shape and carefully faceted surfaces. The animal head hook is an especially abstract construction of smoothly polished planes. The main body is marked by a notch just below the neck of the hook so that it vaguely resembles the shape of a violin. The angular button on the underside also follows the widening shape of the broad end of the buckle. The jade has not completely altered to an ivory white; the surfaces are all polished to a superfine glow.
Published: Max Loehr, Relics of Ancient China, from the Collection of Dr. Paul Singer (New York: Asia Society, 1965), no. 97.
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