Neolithic Jade (nephrite) Statuette – Hongshan Culture (attributed)

Northeastern China – Neolithic period (c. 4700–2900 BC)

This intriguing nephrite statuette is attributed to the Hongshan culture, one of the most important and still partially enigmatic Neolithic civilizations of northeastern China. The sculpture represents a stylised female figure, traditionally interpreted by scholars as a symbolic evocation of fertility, a recurring theme in Chinese Neolithic art.

The figure is characterised by deliberately schematic forms, pronounced frontality and an emphasis on bodily attributes, all of which correspond closely to the known iconographic vocabulary of works attributed to the Hongshan culture. Carved from carefully polished nephrite, the surface presents a smooth, satiny finish typical of ritual or symbolic objects from this period.

Two ancient perforations visible at the neck suggest a possible use as an amulet or pendant, a practice attested for certain Neolithic ritual objects. The statuette is now presented on a modern black marble base, fixed with museum-grade conservation adhesive, allowing safe handling without affecting the integrity of the object.

Long marginalised in Chinese historiography, the Hongshan culture is today recognised as one of the major cultures of the Chinese Neolithic, particularly for its early and highly symbolic use of jade. Nephrite objects attributed to this culture are generally understood as ritual, votive or symbolic works, likely connected to cosmological, social or religious beliefs. Their precise function, however, cannot be determined with certainty.

There is no absolute certainty regarding the exact dating or original function of this statuette. The attribution to the Hongshan culture is based on a convergence of criteria: stylistic characteristics, material, and formal typology comparable to works held in museum collections. In accordance with scholarly and market practice, this piece is therefore offered as attributed to the Hongshan culture, and not as a definitive attribution.

• Culture: Attributed to the Hongshan culture

• Period: Neolithic, c. 4700–2900 BC

• Material: Nephrite

• Condition: Good overall condition, with an old polished surface; no visible restoration

Dimensions and weight:

• Height (sculpture): 9.2 cm

• Width: 4.8 cm

• Depth: 4.2 cm

• Weight (sculpture): 197 g

• Total height with base: 13 cm

• Base dimensions: 7.5 × 7.5 cm

• Total weight (sculpture + base): 0.65 kg

David C. Anderson, Hongshan Jade Treasures: The Art, Iconography and Authentication of Carvings from China’s Finest Neolithic Culture, McFarland & Company, 2014.

Photographs and further information are available upon request.