Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a dark green nephrite jade cong, a ritual object featuring a square outer section with a circular inner tube. The corners are carved with stylized, multi-tiered anthropomorphic or zoomorphic mask motifs, characteristic of the ancient Liangzhu culture.
Story
Neolithic Liangzhu burials contained these mysterious cylinders placed around the deceased. Their exact purpose remains a puzzle, but they are believed to represent the connection between earth (the square) and heaven (the circle).
Maker / Origin
While ancient examples were crafted by highly skilled Neolithic artisans using abrasive sands, this piece is a modern tribute. 20th-century Chinese lapidary workshops revived these ancient forms to satisfy a global fascination with China's earliest archaeological discoveries.
Condition & Value
The cong shows visible natural fissures, minor surface abrasions, and a prominent hairline crack running vertically down one side. This wear is consistent with both the nature of the stone and intentional antiquing techniques; however, the structural crack reduces potential value by 20-30%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.