Chinese, possibly neolithic period, finely carved in the shape of a typical [hoe,] fluctuating blade with some calcification, flat on back side, shaped bevel to center on front, hole centered 2-5/8 in. from end, pair protruding square notches above hole on outside, crescent-shaped tapering to back side, 12-1/4 in.; accompanied by tracing of [hoe] thought to be from director Renley at the Freer and Sackler Galleries in Washington, DC, who identified this item as a root cutter, possibly Shang Dynasty appears to be in good condition with calcification to both sides. Notes: For a similar [hoe], see [Jade Stone of Heaven] by R. Gump, p. 46.. Provenance: Purchased from Mrs. Buck in Chicago who purchased it from an English collection during the Boxer Revolution; Collection of Earle Art Kuns, Iowa Falls, Iowa appears to be in good condition with calcification to both sides