The true standard pointed-head gui first appeared in the Shang Dynasty and became popular during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It was usually a jade ware used by ancient emperors or princes to indicate their status and rank during worship, sacrifice and funerals, and a sacrificial vessel for oath-taking.
This jade gui has amber mottled patina. There are obvious signs of use. The back is plain and smooth. The front is carved with raised hook cloud patterns, which are connected on both sides and symmetrically at the top. There are also fine negative lines in between. The middle is engraved with animal face patterns: double long eyebrows, oval eyes, animal nose and huge mouth represented by hook cloud patterns. Below the animal face are four thick negative lines. There is a hole at the bottom of the jade gui for hanging accessories or pendant ropes.
