Bidspirit auction | A RARE HAN DYNASTY HARDSTONE

A RARE HAN DYNASTY HARDSTONE SCABBARD SLIDE - Such rigid scabbard mounts for the Central Asian saber evolved in the 7-6th century bce. The Chinese introduced stone as a preferred material, which was lashed or in some other manner fastened to the scabbard. A leather belt was then passed through the opening, which allowed the sword to be secured to the waist. Carved entirely from a back and green hardstone, likely jade. 200 b.c.e.-200 c.e. Overall length 20.3cm./ 8 inches. Condition II