A light green jade bead in the shape of a human head - Typically Shang style:Â almond shaped eyes, surface decoration of angled hooks and arcs.
- Original color visible on lower right side of face (third photo below)
- Flourish over eyes suggests flames.
- The overall effect is that of a helmeted figure - the relief on the nose and exaggerated mouth suggests some sort of protective framework as well as plates over the neck.
- Green jade has been substantially altered to a mottled reddish brown with several fissures on the back as well as inclusions over the whole carving.
- Moderate pitting inside the top crown and elsewhere.
- Decorative carving is in light thread relief.
- Surface has a lustrous polish (particulary the less damaged parts) and very light calcification (like a caul). This appears in the first photo below as a whitish sheen.Â
- Crown or headpiece very substantial - has own thread relief.
- 5 x 3Â x 3.5 cm (h/w/d).
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