Lot 011 AN IMPORTANT ARCHAIC JADE ‘DEITY MASK’ CONG LIANGZHU CULTURE, CIRCA 3300 – 2300 BCE

Description

AN IMPORTANT ARCHAIC JADE ‘DEITY MASK’ CONG
LIANGZHU CULTURE, CIRCA 3300 – 2300 BCE
良渚文化 神面纹玉琮
MEASUREMENTS
H. 6.8 cm (2.7 in.); W. 7.9 cm (3.1 in.)
ESTIMATE
USD 5,000 — 8,000
(HKD 39,000 — 62,400)
DESCRIPTION
The jade cong is of a classic squared form with a circular interior, exhibiting a dignified and balanced silhouette. The stone is of a characteristic tremolitic variety, now almost entirely calcified to an opaque ‘chicken-bone white’ (jigubai) tone. The surface is further enriched by mottled russet and dark brown inclusions that have penetrated deep into the grain with a natural, seamless transition.
Each of the four corners is meticulously carved with a deity mask, featuring the iconic large concentric eyes defined by fine, hair-line incisions. The ornamentation is executed with a sophisticated combination of low-relief carving and intricate incised lines, characteristic of the masterful craftsmanship of the Liangzhu culture. The juxtaposition of the weathered patina and the precise, rhythmic decorative program underscores the ritual significance and antiquity of this archaic vessel.
描述
此琮取材典型的透闪石质地方玉，玉质结构致密。历经数千年岁蚀，通体呈现厚重的钙化**“鸡骨白”**皮壳，色泽古朴。器身局部散布斑驳的褐红色及深褐色沁，沁色深入肌理，过渡极其自然。造型呈典型的内圆外方短筒状，比例匀称，规整端庄。
琮身四角以中轴线对称，分层雕琢神人兽面纹，以极细的阴刻线勾勒出标志性的重圈大眼。这种在硬玉上进行的减地平雕与如发丝般精细的阴线勾勒相结合，展现了良渚先民极高的史前手工造诣。其苍桑的皮壳与严谨的纹饰布局相扣，凸显了此祭祀重器的神圣性与历史厚重感。
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The cong is perhaps the most enigmatic and significant ritual object of the Liangzhu culture, symbolizing the connection between Earth (represented by the square) and Heaven (represented by the circle). The ‘deity mask’ motif is central to Liangzhu iconography, reflecting a complex socio-religious hierarchy and a unified belief system. The technical mastery required to carve such intricate patterns without metal tools remains a subject of great archaeological interest.
玉琮是良渚文化中最具神秘色彩且地位最显赫的礼器，象征着“天圆地方”的宇宙观。其上的“神面纹”是良渚宗教艺术的核心，反映了当时高度发达的社会等级与统一的信仰体系。此件玉琮高度达6.8厘米，器形宽大，属于良渚玉琮中规格较高、工艺精湛的标本，是研究史前礼制文明的里程碑式实物。
PROVENANCE
• Acquired in New York, 1990s.
• 1990年代购于纽约。
LITERATURE & COMPARISON
• A closely related jade cong is in the collection of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum (known as the ‘King of Cong’).
• Compare similar examples in the British Museum, London, and the Palace Museum, Beijing.
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: Excellent archaic condition. Significant natural calcification and stable russet staining consistent with long-term interment. No modern restoration detected.
• 状况： 整体品相极佳。表面见显著的自然钙化及稳定的红褐色沁，符合良渚玉器真实入土特征。经检测无任何现代修复。