Antique Hand Carved Jade Beads and Openwork Carved Jade Pendant

Overall Length: 18″
Wonderful hand carved antique nephrite jade beads with carved open work jade pendant. The hourglass shape signified balance, transition or the cyclical nature of time during the ancient Shang and Zhou Dynasties (circa 3000 BCE-500 BCE). Nephrite jade was considered the most precious symbolizing purity, immortality and moral virtue.