Bead with c-curl decoration
Chinese, Eastern Chou to Warring States Period,
Ca. 700 to 400 B.C., Jade,
Height: 2 inches.

This object is cylindrical in shape, with a slightly flattened oval cross-section, carved all over with a c shaped interlocking motif, which some have described as clouds. The overall effect is reminiscent of shagreen, in its even grainy surface, and its whitened green undertoned coloration. It is described as a bead because it is drilled down through its length, but it also reminds me of a part of the pommel of a dagger, the slightly flattened oval is a perfect fit in a clenched hand, with other elements one can easily imagine it as part of a handle. However, these are found in tomb settings as part of pectoral assemblies, so bead is accurate a description as one has for the moment. The pattern carved on it is seen in this period on other jades and bronzes; it was a period where sheer animation of the surface seemed to be the point as much as depicting a subject.