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Ritual object (cong)

ca. 2400 BCE
Not on view
Among Neolithic jades, the cong displays the most complex form: a cylindrical tube encased in a square prism that gently tapers from top to bottom. Simple masks with circular eyes and bar-shaped mouths decorate the corners. Enigmatic in function and meaning, the cong probably signified wealth and social status.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 新石器時代良渚文化　玉琮
  • Title: Ritual object (cong)
  • Period: Neolithic period, Liangzhu culture (ca. 3200–2000 BCE)
  • Date: ca. 2400 BCE
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Jade (nephrite)
  • Dimensions: H. 10 in. (25.4 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
  • Classification: Jade
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Sir Joseph Hotung Gift, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.52
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 7401. Ritual Object (Cong)

7401. Ritual Object (Cong)

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