紅山文化龍鳳玉刀L.33cm, T. 2.5-3.5cm, 1572g。本器刀把為龍首造型, 嘴部有喇叭狀孔, 刀格兩端則為鳳首造型, 刀背呈三個連續內彎新月型, 刀鋒厚實. 刀身表面向內凹陷, 邊緣向外傾斜.本器之玉質為和田黃玉種, 全器滿佈曝露晶面, 多處有溶蝕孔及差異風化, 古玉現像明顯。

Made of serpentine, the handle of the knife has the shape of a dragon head which may serve as the origin of the dragon motif for a later period.

A bugle shape hole located at the mouth part of the dragon. The conjunction between the handle and the blade is decorated by motifs of a phoenix on both ends. Again, the phoenix motif is believed to be the origin of phoenix for later times. The eyes of the dragon and the phoenix have shown low relief carving style. On the backside of the blade,  three new moon shape curves are seen. The hole at the dragon mouth has a horizontal incised line whose implication is unknown. The cutting-edge is blunt. The surface of the blade is concave with a surface slanting outside.

Antiquity evidence includes differential weathering, diffusive markings ( Compare with the horse head knife with single color diffusion, the multi-color diffusion of this jade may be the result of the process of bury in the ground more than once. For example, Hongshan jade has been found in the tomb of Fuhao in the Shang Dynasty.)  and additive crystal. The different color of diffusive marking resulting from different chemical provides a hint of the place the item unearth.) and exposed crystal planes(see lower right image), dissolved pits to prove its old age. With mastery workmanship, this artifact may be one of the most beautiful large Hongshan jade knives.

1. quality of jade: 8
2. rareness: 10
3. historical and cultural significance: 9
4. workmanship: 10
5. size:10
6. condition: 10

List Price: USD 40,000

For any questions, please write to Prof. Chen.