Battle-Axe

This object was made of blackish green jade, little stains of black stripes, reddish and yellowish stains as well. On the lower part of the axe was left a large patch of glutinous matter, possibly the glue used to fix the axe on a wooden handle. In the glutinous matter are some bits of vermilion, which might have come from the vermilion painted wooden handle. This battle-axe is flat, with a large round hole in the center. There are two bulges each with two teeth on both sides, and the cutting edge was shaped into four sections. The jade battle-axe was a ritual utensil symbolizing the political and military power of rulers in pre-Qin societies. This object are made by exquisite craftsman work with high quality of jade, deeply reflecting the social sautés and hierarchy of the user.