AZJ1001 - Hair Ring/Barter Money

A 2300 year old hair ring which had a dual function as barter money during the late Warring States period and into the Qin and early Han. Actually made of agate, these were a major tribute demanded by the first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, of his vassal states. They are discussed in Quiggin's definitive study on primitive money, where he notes that original Han texts describe the "tribute jade rings" presented annually to the ruler. A prime example of the use of Yu (italics) for a variety of beautiful and hard gemstones in ancient China. Qin gave these as payment to many of his troops. Outer diameter 2 3/8 inch, condition is better than average for these, with several small chips and one crack. The agate was originally a pure pale goldish white but long burial has allowed iron rust to penetrate in small areas (warrior jade objects frequently show rust incursion because of the iron weapons buried with them). PRICE: $250.00

AZJ1002 - Huan Ring

Nicely smoothed huan-ring of fine Chinese turquoise, split at one side for attachment of a metal loop to go through a pierced ear. This form originated in the Neolithic but was used with little change throughout the Zhou period, thus we tentatively assign it that date. Polished after excavation by a Chinese collector (quite typically done till the last decade). It is in perfect condition and 1 9/16 inches across by 5/16 inches thick. A rare and wearable piece of jewelry in a sky-blue color with brown veining. PRICE: $450.00

AZJ1003 - Split-ring Earring

Green nephrite jade split-ring "earring". Similar to Neolithic examples, its' striated jade and unpolished but strongly tapered inner hole indicates a hastily done mingqi or gift for a soon-to-be-performed ceremony: suggestive of a more casual approach to the gift in times when haste ultimately was more important than quality: the Warring States fits that description nicely. Nonetheless it has an appealing presence, with a enjoyable mottled green and white material and is 1-3/16" across with a slightly irregular hole tapering from 9/16" to 7/16". Unusual and worth more than our price. PRICE: $575.00

AZJ1004 - Crown-shaped Ornament

Crown-shaped ornament, apparently used by shaman-kings or leaders. Supposedly attached to a hat or other headgear (maybe even sewn into the bobbed hair), they are simple in form and important in meaning. Possible Xia / Shang, we will again be conservative with a Zhou attribution. Subsequent to the original smoothing, many small scratches suggest a long history of use. Two small tapered holes at the bottom, one large at the top, plus characteristic and subtle notches at top and sides make this a museum-quality jade. The coloration is tan with reddish brown striations, due in part to cremation. From the Yangtze River basin. Rare and worthy of the best collection. PRICE: $1750.00

AZJ1005 - Zhou Musical Pick

Musical pick for a stringed instrument. Ancient nephrite (from an as yet undiscovered northern source?) The veined material showing red-brown-black. 2 5/16 inches tall. Flat on one side and rounded on the other. Ancient notch or chip near the top. PRICE: $350.00 [See picture of back]

ANJ1001 - Antique Neolithic Hair Ring

Neolithic hair ring cremated to a light tan with brown markings (inclusions). 1 1/4 inches wide by 1 5/8 inches across. Very attractive, small edge chip mentioned for accuracy. Very scarce. This jade dates back to the Neolithic period long before the Zhou dynasty but is grouped here for convenience. PRICE: $690.00 [See picture of back]