The tradition of having jade burial objects goes back a long way in ancient China, and jade objects had been found in tombs of the New Stone Age. The tradition became more fashionable during the Han Dynasty. Then, the objects were small, and sewn together to form a burial costume. Wealthy corpses had golden thread, less wealthy silk thread. Apart from traditional concepts at work, perhaps another reason for this custom was the habit of elaborate burials and superstitious practices. People at the time believed that jade could prevent the corpse decaying and hence ensure the chance for rebirth.

Unusual Ming Dynasty Jade Burial Carving

The burial of jade objects with their owner is a custom that has continued for centuries. Burying jade often changes not only it's chemical composition, but the color of the jade itself, often giving it the look of bone or another mineral. In order to preserve original coloring, jade objects were often treated with oils or dyes. Oiling jade is a centuries old tradition.

This piece measures approximately 2 3/16 inches in length, and is 1 13/16 wide, and 15/16" deep. It is brownish yellow in color, and as found.

$ 650.00

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