Green Jade Xi with Carved Ram's Head

A Xi (觽) was a tool used to untie knots, which also served as an ornamental accessory. This jade Xi belonged to the princess. The simple carving shows a ram's head with coiled horns. The body of the ram is omitted, with the tail forming a curved cone used to untie knots. The hole in the mouth allowed this item to be sewn onto a garment.