ben

Lot 910. Property from a Private Washington, D. C. Collection. A mottled grey hardstone adze, ben, Neolithic period, Liangzhu Culture, circa 3300-2300 BC; 11.7 cm long. Estimate USD 5,000 – USD 7,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2023 Provenance: J.J. Lally & Co., New York, 9 November 1995. Note: While the stone adze is associated with woodworking, the fine workmanship, crisp outlines, highly polished surface and near pristine condition of the present adze indicates its purpose was likely... [Lire la suite]

Lot 12. Three Neolithic mottled dark gray stone axes, fu, circa 5th-3rd millennium B.C.; 4 1/2, 5 1/8 and 6 1/8in (11.5, 13 and 15.5cm) lengths (3). Sold for US$3,570 (Estimate US$1,000-US$1,500). © Bonhams 2001-2023 Note: Stone axes with finely polished surface were made for ceremonial purposes. Following the forms of farming tools and weapons, they represent power in agriculture and in war. Although made of stone rather than jade, the choice of the material, the precision of the cut,... [Lire la suite]