Zhang scepter

China

12th-11th century BCE

Pale greenish-blue nephrite (jade)

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A pale greenish-blue nephrite jade scepter with a flared blade and a handle with decorative notches and a central hole. The surface has irregular lighter patches and subtle striations. The innately beautiful bluish-green color of this ritual scepter, with its russet inclusions combines with a simplicity and elegance of form to elevate this ancient object to a realm of aesthetic grace that is timeless. Ceremonial weapons and implements represent some of the earliest Chinese jades as the origins of this type of object lies in the Neolithic period. It was largely during the early Bronze Age however, in Shang and Western Zhou, that some utilitarian weapon types evolved into a limited group of particular shapes executed in precious jade that held ritual significance in important political and social ceremonies. Most of