Ancient Suns

I think, quite clearly, that this jadeite pendant was cut and polished with the intention of being carved into a maskette, or face bead. The color of the jadeite is a striking apple green, with a quite large inclusion of translucent Imperial Green jadeite, towards the lower part of the bead. It is possible that this is why the craftsman who sculpted this bead stopped, because putting in a face would have cut through the section of “jade imperial”, as it is known in Spanish. This bead will need support beads or knotting, on either side, if it is to be used as a pendant. Not continuing with the carving has left the pendant somewhat top heavy.

37mm x 27mm; 24 grams