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Ceremonial Tube (Cong)
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The cong, a cylindrical tube with a square outer section, was one of the most impressive jade implements used in ancient rites. The ritual text Rites of Zhou mentions the use of the cong for the worship of the earth. However, its function and meaning in the earlier Neolithic societies are not completely understood.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE) |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1600–1056 BCE |
| Culture / Origin | China, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE) |
| Medium | jade (nephrite) |
| Dimensions | Overall: 20.6 cm (8 1/8 in.) |
| Department | Chinese Art |
| Type | Jade |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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