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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Jade Archaic Style Taotie Mask Bead, 1644-1912 CE

Jade Archaic Style Taotie Mask Bead, 1644-1912 CE

Jade
Height: 5.2 cm
ES.0742.22
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A rare example of a jade bead carved in the shape of an archaic taotie mask. The jade has a pale green tone with some areas showing calcification. The Taotie...
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A rare example of a jade bead carved in the shape of an archaic taotie mask. The jade has a pale green tone with some areas showing calcification.
The Taotie is an ancient Chinese mythological creature that was usually depicted on bronze and other artefacts during the 1st millennium BC. Taotie are one of the "four evil creatures of the world". The design typically consists of a frontal zoomorphic mask, which is symmetrical bilaterally and with a pair of raised eyes. In bronzes a ground pattern of squared spirals, the "thunder pattern" (lei-wen), often serves as a design filler between and around the larger features of the design.
The function of the taotie motif has been variously interpreted: it may be totemic, protective, or an abstracted, symbolic representation of the forces of nature. It has served as a warning against avarice, gluttony, sensuality, self indulgence.
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Provenance

China
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