Nephrite Jade Carving of a Pig

Similar jade pigs have been excavated in Eastern Han tombs, where they have been found as matched pairs that were help in the hands of the deceased. Recovered only in burial contexts, these miniature sculptures were made exclusively as grave goods, destined for internment. Han burial custom associated jade with the power to preserve the vital body forces of the dead, and the presence in tombs of small jade objects such as this bears witness to their ritual importance in Han China.

The simplified, geometric shape and angular features of the pig depart from the usual naturalism of Han stone carving. The style of this piece is intentionally archaistic, reflecting stone work of the much earlier Shang dynasty recovered from Bronze Age tomb sites.