7.8 cm. diam (3 3/4 in.)

The symbolism and use of the jade cong, with its cylindrical construction surrounded by a square exterior, have been the subject of much speculation by scholars. What is clear, however, is that it played a crucial part in the Neolithic period shamanistic rites. Similar cong can be found in many important museums and private collections but the present example is exceptionally rare for being carved from fine yellow jade material. Much of what we do know about the symbolism of the cong in rituals comes from the Zhou Book of Rites where it mentions, ‘Worship the earth with the yellow cong’. The cong is therefore thought to have been symbolic of Earth and the yellow jade material used in the present carving appears to have been specifically chosen to reinforce this symbolism.
The present arrangement of two tiers of faces, the lower with a pair of large eyes surmounted by a narrower face with of smaller eyes, can also be seen on an altered jade example in the National Palace Museum, included in the exhibition of Art in Quest of Heaven and Truth, Chinese Jades through the Ages, Taipei, 2012, illustrated in the catalogue, p. 55, figs. 4-5-8 a. and b. Compare, also, an example in the National Museum of China, illustrated in Zhongguo Guojia Bowuguan Guan Zang Wenwu Yanjiu Congshu: Yuqijuan, Shanghai, 2007, p. 56 no. 6.

Price estimate:
HKD: 500,000-800,000
USD: 64,500-103,200

Auction Result:
HKD:10,730,000