Axe (fu ꖧ)

Axe, or fu, with biconical perforation.Blackish stone with irregular mottled gray areas throughout. The wide mouthed biconical perforation is placed along the median axis at the butt end of the axe. The asymmetrical contours of the perforation indicate that they were formed by pecking rather than by being drilled. There is a small concave circle above the perforation on one surface of the axe. The clearly articulated cutting edge shows signs of wear. The side view reveals a slightly tapering, lentoid body. The surfaces of the ax are polished and even.

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Historical period(s)
Late Neolithic period, ca. 5000-ca. 1700 BCE
Medium
Jade (serpentine)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 21 x 8 x 8 cm (8 1/4 x 3 1/8 x 3 1/8 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Gift of The Honorable and Mrs. Hugh Scott
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1985.7
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceremonial Object, Jade
Type

Ceremonial object: axe

Keywords
China, Late Neolithic period (ca. 5000 - ca. 1700 BCE)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Axe, or fu, with biconical perforation.Blackish stone with irregular mottled gray areas throughout. The wide mouthed biconical perforation is placed along the median axis at the butt end of the axe. The asymmetrical contours of the perforation indicate that they were formed by pecking rather than by being drilled. There is a small concave circle above the perforation on one surface of the axe. The clearly articulated cutting edge shows signs of wear. The side view reveals a slightly tapering, lentoid body. The surfaces of the ax are polished and even.

Published References
  • J. Keith Wilson, Jingmin Zhang. Jades for Life and Death. .
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Jades for Life and Death
Google Cultural Institute
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