Shin dynasty (A.D.8- 25),Jade Container
US$ 40,000
PayPal: exoticjades@gmail.com
Octagon-shape Jade Container with Dragon and Phoenix Motif and Inscriptions
Measurement: H.21cm
The inscriptions of the four corners are translated as follows:The virtues of the original ancestor Emperor Huang has handed down to my nation.In the year of A.D. 9, the new system of measurement is announced
for the first time, for all generations to follow forever.
The twenty-four Chinese characters appeared on the surfaces of the four corners of the vase are digested from the eighty-one Chinese characters inscribed on the outside wall the bronze container from Shin dynasty (A.D. 8-23) in the National Palace Museum collections.
This octagon-shape vase is broader on the upper part and narrower on the lower part. The lid of the vase has an open octagon-shape tub. It is broader on the upper part and narrower on the lower part of the tub. There is a negative thunder motif between two thicker negative lines on the lower part of the lid.
The same design also appears on the upper and lower parts of the main vase. The four narrowest surfaces have inscriptions with negative lines. The two narrow surfaces have low relief phoenix motif. The two broader surfaces have low relief dragon motif. The design of the dragon has featured the fairy tale of King of sea dragon with motif of sea horse appears on the wings.The motifs of this vase are picturesque with elegant lines and dexterous carving technique. It is reasonable to believe that this vase is from the imperial palace of the Shin dynasty.
The item is made of high quality white jade. Several places have shown brown diffusive markings. The Shin dynasty is last
only for a short period of fifteen years (from A.D. 8 to A.D.23), the artifact from its imperial palace is extremely rare.
In addition, the inscriptions on it have recorded the history of the ancient Chinese measurement system. It is no doubt that this vase is both important for its artistic value and historic value.