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JADE FISH PENDANT
SHANG DYNASTY 1600 - 1100 BC Length: 3 1/4 inches ( 8 cm ) This yellow jade carving represents a fish in a curved form. It is finely carved with multiple notches on either edge, probably representing fins. It is perforated at the top center for attachment. The fish tail is clearly evident. The head of this carving is not the typical fish head often seen in such carvings. Rather, it is an elongated shape, perpendicular to the body. These pendants may have been worn to either bring good luck for the fishing voyage, or perhaps to ward against difficulties with certain sea creatures. The head of this carving suggests that of a hammer-head shark. It is known that hammer heads do inhabit the coastal waters off China. Perhaps this pendant was worn in hopes of warding off such a large animal.
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