Han Dynasty Double Jade Pigs 漢代雙玉豬

size: 12cm X 3.5cm
The two objects in the image are carved to resemble pigs in a lying position. They have a simplified, rounded form with minimalistic features: a snout, small ears, and a slightly curved body. The legs and tail are subtly indicated, which is typical of Han Dynasty jade pigs.
Material: The objects appear to be made of jade, likely Hetian jade, with a creamy white base color and brownish patches. These patches could be natural inclusions or signs of aging, such as soil staining or calcification, which are common in ancient jade artifacts.
Size: The jade pigs seem to be of a size suitable for holding in the hand, approximately 10-12 cm long, consistent with the typical dimensions of Han Dynasty jade grip pigs.
Cultural Context: As previously discussed, Han Dynasty jade pigs were commonly used as burial items, specifically as "jade grips," placed in the hands of the deceased to symbolize wealth and ensure prosperity in the afterlife. The pair in the image fits this description perfectly, as they are a set of two, likely intended for the left and right hands of the deceased.
Symbolic Meaning: The pig shape symbolizes wealth and abundance in Han culture, as pigs were associated with agricultural prosperity. The use of jade, believed to preserve the body and connect with the spiritual realm, further supports their role in burial practices.
 
 
外觀：漢代玉豬通常以長條形或圓柱形玉料雕刻而成，呈臥姿或俯臥狀，造型簡潔樸實。玉豬的形象多以粗略的陰刻線條勾勒出雙耳、四肢、長吻和尾部等特徵，體現出豬的肥碩憨態。
材質：多使用和田玉（軟玉），顏色以青玉、白玉或青白色為主，表面可能帶有沁色（如土沁或鈣化現象），顯示其年代久遠。
尺寸：玉豬一般長約10-12厘米，適合握於手中，符合「玉握」的用途。
雕刻風格：漢代玉豬常採用「漢八刀」技法，即以簡潔有力的幾刀刻畫出主要特徵，線條硬朗，注重形神兼備。
葬玉用途：漢代玉豬通常作為「玉握」，置於死者手中。根據當時的信仰，古人認為死者不能空手離世，需握住象徵財富或權力的物件，以保來世的富足。玉握豬因此成為漢代墓葬中的常見隨葬品。
象徵意義：在漢代文化中，豬象徵財富與富足，因為豬是農業經濟的重要標誌，代表生活安定與豐饒。玉質堅硬且色澤溫潤，被認為能保護死者遺體不腐，因此玉豬兼具實用與象徵意義。
雙玉豬：雙玉豬通常是一對，分别置於死者左右手中，象徵成雙成對的吉祥與平衡，也可能寓意財富加倍。