alexbakale
Nephrite Pipe
"Pipe Bowl," on display at Cleveland Museum of Art in Gallery 108B, is believed to have been crafted sometime around the 19th century by the Southern Nguni People of S. Africa. Made from nephrite, one of the minerals which makes up jade along with jadeite, this functional elbow-pipe bowl displays subtle contours and showcases a verdant lustre. In many cultures, most notably ancient China and pre-Columbian South America, jade was held in high regard. Believed by many to possess healing properties, jade was highly sought after throughout the ancient world. It is said that the Aztecs prized jade stones more highly than all their storehouses of gold and other fineries. One can only ponder the effort exerted to craft such an exquisite object from so hard a mineral as seen here. In size, the object measures 5.5 cm (2 3/16 in.) and was purchased from the J. H. Wade Fund 2012.42. This image is in the Public Domain and can be seen on the Museum's website. www.clevelandart.org/art/2012.42
Nephrite Pipe
"Pipe Bowl," on display at Cleveland Museum of Art in Gallery 108B, is believed to have been crafted sometime around the 19th century by the Southern Nguni People of S. Africa. Made from nephrite, one of the minerals which makes up jade along with jadeite, this functional elbow-pipe bowl displays subtle contours and showcases a verdant lustre. In many cultures, most notably ancient China and pre-Columbian South America, jade was held in high regard. Believed by many to possess healing properties, jade was highly sought after throughout the ancient world. It is said that the Aztecs prized jade stones more highly than all their storehouses of gold and other fineries. One can only ponder the effort exerted to craft such an exquisite object from so hard a mineral as seen here. In size, the object measures 5.5 cm (2 3/16 in.) and was purchased from the J. H. Wade Fund 2012.42. This image is in the Public Domain and can be seen on the Museum's website. www.clevelandart.org/art/2012.42