Archaic Jade Ch'i Axe
Chou Dynasty
(1122-221 B.C.)
Length:           23.1cm
Width:            14.0cm
Thickness:        0.95cm
     The ch'i was a kind of 
battle-axe.  Those rendered 
in jade were based on stone 
prototypes. Many were used 
ceremonially; others were 
brandished in ancient dances.  
Twin dragons surmount the 
piece, each one a hydra with 
a secondary beaked head.  
The serpents intertwine down 
to the tangs which are 
composed of two small "k'uei"
dragons.  The main field is 
dominated by a square spiral
design.  The cutting edge is
beveled and damaged by what 
is thought to be a purposeful
defacement.  The scar reveals 
dark russet colors which 
stain the otherwise cream-
white jade stone.