商至西周 玉鱼|Plaque in the shape of a fish

Art Historical Context

This exquisite jade plaque, carved in the shape of a fish, dates to the Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 B.C.) through the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 B.C.), a formative era in ancient Chinese civilization marked by the rise of bronze ritual vessels and early urban centers. Crafted from nephrite jade—a tough, translucent green stone revered in China for its purity and durability—this small ornament (H. 3 3/8 in.; W. 13/16 in.) exemplifies the masterful lapidary skills of the period. Nephrite was not just a material but a symbol of virtue and immortality, often reserved for elites in burials or ...