Lot 1123. An opaque greyish olive-green jade ceremonial blade, Shang dynasty (circa 1600-1100 BC); 9 1/16 in. (23 cm.) long. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 40,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The blade has rounded edges and flares towards the cutting edge, which has a wide, gentle bevel on each side. There is an attachment hole drilled from one side near the butt end, which is slightly curved. There are subtle striations in the stone, which has a satiny polish.

Provenance: Yamanaka & Co., Inc., New York, 1943.
Raymond A. Bidwell (1876-1954) Collection.
The Springfield Museums, Springfield, Massachusetts, accessioned in 1962.

Literature: A Collection of Chinese and Other Far Eastern Art, Yamanaka & Co., New York, 1943, no. 246.
The Raymond A. Bidwell Collection of Chinese Bronzes and Ceramics, Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1965, pp. 30-31.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013