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Comma-shaped Jade
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Jade is one of the hardest stones and requires an intensive, arduous process of abrasion—cutting, chiseling, grinding, and polishing—to achieve the desired shape. A grindstone and a slurry of grit and water shape the jade into the desired form, and then a cloth dampened and rubbed with finer grit may have been used to give the jade the smooth surface. For the Silla kingdom (57 BC–985), in particular, comma-shaped jades served as an essential item for the burials of the ruling class and were luxurious accessories to decorate golden crowns. Their comma shape is thought to represent embryonic forms, symbolizing life, particularly rebirth in the afterlife.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE) |
|---|---|
| Date | 400s CE |
| Culture / Origin | Korea, Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE) |
| Medium | glass |
| Dimensions | Overall: 7.3 x 3.9 x 2.5 cm (2 7/8 x 1 9/16 x 1 in.) |
| Department | Korean Art |
| Type | Jewelry |
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.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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