Hare

While much of the Shang dynasty repertoire of animal shapes was imaginary or composite, Western Zhou artisans and their patrons showed a definite preference for recognizable and believable forms. Along with the bird, the hare is frequently found as a subject for pendant plaques during the Western Zhou dynasty; it is rarely, if ever found in jades of the Shang dynasty. In later times the hare became associated with the moon and the elixir of immortality. It is difficult to say if that iconography had developed as early as the Western Zhou, but the frequent appearance of this animal in the arts of the period does suggest an increasing importance in Zhou culture.

This piece is a flat silhouette with minimal surface ornamentation. Details are limited to a large circular eye, long ear, and the legs and feet. The points of attachment on this hare pendant indicate it was suspended from its nose. It would perhaps have joined a series of other hares along with beads and other pieces to form a complete necklace or other form of personal ornamentation. There is an uncompleted perforation on one side of the lower part of the animal's body.

Like the cormorant discussed above, this rabbit is cut from a tan jade of a type that is generally associated with sources in Khotan. Some discoloration has occurred in burial and one side is matte and opaque. The other side was less affected and has a greater degree of gloss and translucence. In this and other entries finish is used to refer to the refinement and completeness of the cutting and other workmanship. Polish refers to the actual level of polish of the surface of the stone.