Scabbard slide dating from the Warring States (475 - 221BCE) to the Western Han period (206BCE - 25AD). This slide was once attached to the flat back side of a scabbard. When the scabbard was stuck under the belt of the owner, the slide hooked around the belt making it impossible for the scabbard to slide down to the ground. The decoration of this one consists of very finely carved interlocking C-scrolls and a monster mask (Tao Tieh) at one end. It's hard to imagine that this jade object was carved 2000 years ago. The polish is still just as shiny as when it was made. The material is a translucent greenish grey jade. The square hole and the back side through which the slide was attached to the scabbard show rust stains. The slide entered our collection in Hong Kong in 1994. Length 9.2 cm. Width 2.5 cm. Depth 1.3 cm. Weight 37.8 grams.