Ceremonial Dagger-Axe with Animal Masks (Ge)

About this artwork

Jade is an extremely hard material. In ancient China, it was carved or ground with fine abrasives, such as quartz sand, affixed to cutting or drilling tools. The form of this jade (ge, ceremonial dagger axe), was likely derived from similarly shaped bronze weapons. The pointed and slightly curved blade was symmetrically carved. It seems to emerge from the mouth of the taotie, the animal mask. The taotie’s curved horns were carved in relief bands; its eyes, snout, and upper jaw are delineated in ...