G035 Jade Pendant of Thumb Ring shape

G035 Jade Pendant of Thumb Ring shape (Western Han Dynasty, (Height: 4.55cm, Width: 3.05cm)           

In the Shang and Zhou dynasties, thumb ring was a cylinder, one end of which was inclined upward to divide the height. At the lower side of the height, a groove was cut. thumb ring was worn on the thumb of the right hand. When archery, the groove was used for the hook string to protect the thumb. As the jade is too slippery and fragile, it is not suitable for royal nobles to show off, but not for practical use. About to the Warring States period, more and more gradually for the high decoration. However, the cylinder is not easy to wear, so it gradually changes to form a heart-shaped plate, which is called "jade shaped pendant". From the Song Dynasty, it was called "chicken heart pendant".            

The shape of the jade shell is high, like a heart shaped like a shield, with a round hole in the center, which is a typical shape (generally, there are outline patterns on both sides or one side) The upper left part of this jade ware is carved with the so-called outline cloud pattern, while the whole surface of the jade ware is decorated with the cloud pattern like a hairline. The bottom of the device is a concave arc. There is mercury from the surface to the bottom about the right side of the jade ware. Both the surface and the bottom are glossy, but the glossy at the bottom is particularly dazzling and has a strong ancient taste. It is one of the most lovely features of ancient jade. It is not easy to get!