Art Resource - ART201396

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Jade eye plaques, Chinese, Han dynasty, c206 BC-c220. These jade eye covers actually resemble the shape of eyes. The holes at the ends are for attaching the plaques to a cloth or other material. They were also made in glass, a cheap substitute for those who could not afford jade. Jade has traditionally been the most highly prized of all materials in China. Owing to its beauty and great durability, it was gradually associated with special powers, particularly protective ones. Over time, it came to be believed that jade would protect the body from decomposition after death. The burial practice of covering the head and, later, the body, with jade pieces originated in the Western Zhou period (1050-771 BC). A later development of that custom, during the Han dynasty (206 BC-220) was the plugging of the corpse's nine orifices with jade. Jade covers closed the eyes, signifying watchfulness.
OA, 1945.10-17.25a, b

Location British Museum/London/Great Britain

Unique Identifier ART201396

Type Image

Purpose Public

Size 1268px × 1600px

Photo Credit Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY

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