Miniature ge (halberd) blade-shaped ornament

This small pocket-size object is in the shape of pointed ge (halberd) blade with a disc-like ring at the lower center (from one piece of jade). The uneven surface of the blade is rough and unrefined. The carving technique is crude. On the surface of the blade, there is a curious decoration of short embossed lines between shallow notches; possibly stars joined together by lines, pictorially conveying the Yin and Yang principles in harmonious union.* This may have been a representation of the seven stars (somewhat like the chemical structure of an atom). The symmetrical design adhered closely to the actual form of the constellation as seen in the sky. From ancient time, the Chinese have always been fascinated with stars and believed in the metaphysical relations between them and the mysteries of human life-people's destinies are, in curious ways, connected with the inexplicable but regular movements of the stars. Scattered records of their early engagements in astronomical calculations show their remarkable acquaintances with stars on which numerous inquisitive theories are based. Approximately below the middle section of the pointer is a disc-like ring , the outer edge is beveled down from a thickness of 2 mm. The disc is not perfectly round. The drilled hole of this ring is worn out, probably from abrasion. The symmetrical design on the blade is echoed on surface of this ring with its obscure cloud-like pattern and tiny embossed nail-head dots between short lines. This jade piece appears to be quite 'antique' because it is seemingly covered with shuiyin qin (black mercury-like discoloration) caused by long-term burial. However, as far as is known, the exact shape of this jade piece does not occur during any historical period of China, according to the present authoritative catalogues about Chinese jades, such as zhongguo yu qi quan ji (Complete Works of Chinese Jades), gu yu tu pu (Illustrated Catalogues of Chinese Ancient Jades), and Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing (Jessica Rawson, London: The British Museum Press, 1995). Further, the making of jade objects was regarded as a sacred ceremony during ancient China. Therefore, the carving of the antique jades is exceptionally refined and elaborate. Usually their background is exceedingly smooth, bright and clean. As for this jade piece, the carving is extremely coarse and the background is uneven and unpolished. Moreover, the odd seven-star design is rarely found on Chinese jades. Therefore, it is evident that this piece is a recent product, probably made during the early 20th century. * Early Chinese Astrology embodied the belief that the stars were in unison, appearing in the darkness of night. They were demonstrated symbolically as the inseparable Yin and Yang principles of creation