Ritual Jade Bird Figurine. Late Shang – Early Zhou Period (ca. 13th–9th c. BCE)

This study presents a ritual jade figurine in the form of a bird, carved during the late Shang to early Zhou period (ca. 13th–9th centuries BCE). The piece originates from the cultural zone of the middle and lower Yellow River and represents an early example of animal-shaped jade ritual objects. Scientific investigations (SEM and mineralogical analyses) confirm the authenticity of the surface patina, which developed under natural geochemical conditions. The object was published in the monograph by Prof. Nona Dronova (What You Should Know About Ancient Chinese Jade, Moscow, 2017). 🔹 DESCRIPTION - SH-ZH-BR-AVIAN-013 The bird-shaped ritual figurine is carved from dense, heavy jadeite (or altered nephrite) of dark brown tone with whitish streaks and calcified patina. The head is crowned with a large beak, circular incised eyes, and a frontal groove. The body features finely incised parallel lines representing feathers. Tool traces: abrasive polishing, carved grooves, and wear in recesses. The surface shows layered white-gray micro-patina, creating an ancient dermato-glyphic texture not reproducible by modern techniques. Function: Totemic and ritual use, associated with bird symbolism and early animistic beliefs. 🔹 SCIENTIFIC STUDIES Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys revealed: Surface and subsurface weathering of the silicate matrix. Iron, manganese, and goethite crystals in micro-pores. Inclusions of serpentine and microcrystalline calcite, typical of ancient mineralization. Natural micro-texture confirming long-term burial. Conclusion: The patina is natural, and authenticity is fully confirmed instrumentally. REFERENCES Dronova, N.D. What You Should Know About Ancient Chinese Jade. Moscow, 2017. Rawson, J. Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing. British Museum, 1995. Rasti Fine Art. Ritual Vessel: Chinese Archaic Jade and Bronze Forms. Exhibition Catalogue, 2020. Bagley, R. Shang Ritual Bronzes in the Arthur M. Sackler Collections. Harvard University Press, 1987.