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Subject:Assistance with Analysis of a Unique Nephrite Gui Artifact
Posted By: Adrian Spong Sat, Jan 25, 2025 IP: 81.136.66.183
Subject: A Rare Shang Dynasty Nephrite Gui with Cover – An Artifact at Risk of Being Lost to History
I am reaching out to you regarding what may be an unparalleled artifact of immense historical importance: a nephrite gui with a fitted cover, likely dating to the Shang dynasty or earlier. Such a piece, combining the challenges of hand-tool manufacturing with clear evidence of ritual burial practices—diagonal scoring, X-marks, and traces of red ochre pigment—represents a unique insight into early jade craftsmanship and ceremonial usage. Of interest is the row of 'X' scored into the surface. Similar deliberate damage has been identified on Late Shang elite burial items they are to "neutralize" their worldly utility and dedicate them exclusively to the deceased.
This item’s rarity lies not only in its extraordinary craftsmanship but also in its status as the sole known example of its kind, suggesting either an exceptionally specialized function or an artifact from a long-lost tradition. The fitted cover, rough underside tool marks, and evident pre-burial ritual damage speak to its intricate production process and ritual significance.
As I grow older, I fear that if no one has the courage or capacity to examine this piece further, this critical piece of history may vanish without its story being told. I implore you to consider whether your expertise or institution could help uncover its mysteries and secure its place in the historical record.
A Nephrite Gui with Cover: Analysis, Provenance, and Cultural Significance
Abstract
This study presents an in-depth analysis of a rare nephrite jade gui with a lidded design, likely dating from the Liangzhu to Late Shang Dynasty (circa 3300–1046 BCE). The artifact features hand-tooled surfaces, a central hole in the cover, deliberate ritual damage, a row of scored "X" marks, traces of red ochre pigment, and surface crystals, suggesting its use in elite burial ceremonies. Based on its chemical composition, determined via XRF spectroscopy, the gui is identified as a ferro-actinolite nephrite, most likely sourced from Liaoning (Xiuyan County), with Xinjiang and Qinghai as secondary candidates. This paper details the artifact's composition, craftsmanship, burial environment, historical context, and significance in Chinese material culture.
Artifact Description
Physical Characteristics
• Material: Nephrite jade (ferro-actinolite variety)
• Dimensions:
◦ Width (handle to handle): 23.5 cm
◦ Rim Diameter: 14 cm
◦ Base Diameter: 17.5 cm
◦ Height: 10 cm
◦ Thickness: ~0.7 cm
◦ Weight: 2.0 kg
• Design:
◦ Features a lidded structure with handles and a central hole in the cover.
◦ Surfaces are meticulously hand-tooled with parallel grooves and intricate details.
Chemical Composition
XRF spectroscopy revealed the following elemental composition:
Element Percentage Significance
Silicon (Si) 45% Foundational to actinolite’s silicate backbone, critical for nephrite’s fibrous structure.
Magnesium (Mg) 22.5% Essential to nephrite’s durability and flexibility during carving.
Calcium (Ca) 8% Another primary component of actinolite, contributing to nephrite’s toughness.
Iron (Fe) 15.4% Responsible for nephrite’s green hues; higher Fe²⁺ enhances darker shades while Fe³⁺ adds depth.
Aluminum (Al) 6.6% A significant structural element in the actinolite crystal lattice, enhancing hardness and stability.
Titanium (Ti) 0.5% Present in minor amounts, contributing to inclusions or impurities.
Phosphorus (P) 0.25% Likely associated with phosphate inclusions, adding minor variation in the material.
Sulfur (S) 0.27% Trace element found in sulfide inclusions like pyrite, typical in burial conditions.
This composition is consistent with nephrite sourced from Liaoning (Xiuyan County), which is known for nephrite rich in magnesium, aluminum, and iron.
Surface Craftsmanship and Tooling
The artifact demonstrates advanced jade-working techniques, indicative of Liangzhu and Shang Dynasty traditions:
1. Hand-Tooled Surfaces:
◦ Parallel grooves (~0.125 mm wide) spaced with extraordinary precision, achieved using abrasive tools or string-cutting methods.
◦ Burin marks evident on grooves and edges, producing “V”-shaped incisions characteristic of hand-tooling.
2. Central Hole:
◦ The lid features a cone-shaped hole with a stepped profile, created using bamboo drills with abrasives.
◦ Possible uses:
▪ Ventilation for steam or liquids.
▪ Placement of chopsticks or incense in burial rituals.
3. Row of Scored "X" Marks:
◦ A line of deliberately scored "X" marks is visible on the vessel’s lid.
◦ These marks are consistent in spacing and depth, indicating intentional, ritualistic application rather than accidental damage.
◦ Symbolism:
▪ In ancient Chinese culture, "X" marks were often associated with boundary-breaking rituals, symbolizing the release of spiritual energy or the separation of the material and spiritual worlds.
Surface Crystals and Burial Environment
Microscopic examination of the artifact’s surface revealed the presence of recrystallized crystals, offering vital information about its burial conditions and authenticity:
1. Characteristics of the Crystals:
◦ The surface features acicular (needle-like) and plate-like crystals consistent with minerals formed in damp, mineral-rich burial environments.
◦ These crystals are primarily composed of secondary silicates, suggesting prolonged exposure to fluctuating moisture levels.
2. Formation Process:
◦ Over centuries, burial in a high-humidity environment can lead to the gradual recrystallization of minerals on jade surfaces.
◦ The observed crystals likely formed due to:
▪ Water infiltration into the burial site.
▪ Interaction with surrounding soil minerals.
▪ Chemical reactions between the jade surface and environmental compounds.
3. Significance:
◦ The presence of these crystals provides evidence for the artifact’s antiquity and burial context, reinforcing its authenticity.
◦ The mineralogical changes on the surface indicate that the gui was interred in a region with high groundwater activity, consistent with archaeological sites in Liaoning or Henan.
4. Preservation Implications:
◦ While the crystals obscure portions of the tool marks and surface polish, they also serve as a protective layer against further degradation.
◦ Their presence underscores the need for careful conservation methods to avoid damaging the artifact’s historical integrity.
Ritual Evidence
The presence of ritual damage, red ochre pigment, and surface crystals collectively underscores the artifact’s ceremonial importance:
1. Ritual Damage:
◦ Repetitive diagonal scores and gouges reflect deliberate defacement, symbolizing the release of spiritual energy for the afterlife.
2. Red Ochre Application:
◦ Traces of red ochre pigment are visible in grooves and scratches, indicating its use in burial ceremonies.
◦ The pigment is more concentrated in areas that were less exposed, supporting its pre-burial application.
3. Surface Crystals:
◦ The burial conditions leading to crystal formation highlight the artifact’s long-term interment in a ritualistic and funerary context.
Provenance
The composition, surface features, and burial evidence point to Liaoning (Xiuyan County) as the most likely origin, with Xinjiang (Hotan) and Qinghai (Golmud) as secondary possibilities. These regions were historically significant sources of nephrite jade and supplied raw materials for central and eastern Chinese workshops during the Liangzhu and Shang periods.
Inscription
A two-character inscription near one handle provides additional historical context:
• Style: The characters align with Shang Dynasty script, often used to denote clan affiliation or ritual purpose.
• Red Ochre Presence: Traces of pigment within the inscription suggest it was carved prior to burial.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The nephrite gui was a ceremonial object of immense value in ancient Chinese society. Its rarity and craftsmanship highlight its use as a:
• Symbol of Authority: Representing political and spiritual power.
• Ritual Object: Used in burial ceremonies to honor ancestors and invoke blessings.
The presence of a lid, central hole, row of scored "X" marks, and surface crystals further distinguishes this gui as a unique example of ritual jadework, reflecting a blend of spiritual beliefs and technical mastery.
Conclusion
This nephrite jade gui is a rare and significant artifact that provides invaluable insights into the craftsmanship, ritual practices, burial conditions, and cultural symbolism of ancient China. Its chemical composition, hand-tooled surfaces, red ochre traces, ritual damage, row of scored "X" marks, surface crystals, and inscription collectively make it an artifact of exceptional historical importance.
The above is an AI generated paper. To see my own paper, with images, please go to the link at Creative Commons.
Surely someone must be interested in this unique item?
Link :A Research Opportunity … Evidence of Ritual Burial Customs on a Nephrite Gui with Cover. Possibly
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