Jade treasure from Taosi site with a serene and mysterious mien

This finely carved jade treasure presents an abstract figure of a deity. Its crown-like top has wing-shaped extensions. The eyes are hollowed out, appearing half-open. A circular hole is drilled at the lower part, resembling the deity's mouth and also serving as a perforation.

Unearthed in 2002 at the Taosi site in Xiangfen county, Linfen, Shanxi province, it was probably a ritual object used in deity worship, reflecting the noble status of the tomb occupant. Collection: Shanxi Museum.