This essay discusses the history of jade during Neolithic China, further expanding on some artifacts from the Shang Dynasty. The primary known sources of nephrite jade in China were predominantly the Yangtze River from 3400-2250 BC, and Liaoning province in the interior of Mongolia. The dynamic use of jade varied greatly, as it was employed to fashion an assortment of objects over time. Culminating the Neolithic jade period is the Liangzhu culture, marking jade's timeless relevance throughout Chinese history.

In specific reference to the Neolithic era, or the 3rd millennium BCE, the Yangtze River delta region in China served as the final Neolithic jade culture. This rich culture boasted a varied collection of jade, ivory, lacquer, silk, and even pottery, all discovered in distinct burial sites. Jade's versatility was demonstrated in numerous forms, including pendants with an almost milky white appearance, embellished with intricate carvings of various animals. From the ruins of Yin and several other archaeological sites, over 10,000 unique artifacts have been carefully preserved.

The earliest known usage of jade can be traced back to the lower Yangtze River. Its presence was first noted during the latter stages of the Majiabang culture from 5100 BC to 3900 BC and continued into the Qingliangang and Songze societies of the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Interestingly, the Liangzhu culture, which spanned the southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang regions from 3400-2200 BC, began to produce jade pieces that were strikingly modern after 2500 BC. These pieces displayed little signs of wear and functional use, implying a largely ceremonial purpose.

Among the renowned jade artifacts of this period are the disc-shaped pieces with a central hole, which would later become symbols of good fortune. Another significant jade object is the cong, a cylindrical item with a square exterior and a round hole inside, symbolizing the yin (earth, female, and square) and yang (heaven, male, and rounded) dichotomy. It was possibly related to astronomical alignment or the selection of geomantic sites. These iconic jade pieces persisted in Chinese culture until the mid-20th century.

Also present during the Liangzhu period and within the Shandong region was the Longshan culture. This era was characterized by stylized gui and zhang blades and axes, and an increasing variety of decorative curved and round jade pendants, necklaces, and bracelets. Interestingly, mask adornment also became prevalent during this period. This ties the Neolithic jades closely with those of the subsequent Shang era.

Moving on to the Shang Dynasty, which reigned during the second millennium BCE, it is unfortunate that many royal possessions were looted by tomb raiders. These artifacts spanned from stoneware and bronze weapons to jade hair figures. Dating as far back as 1500 BCE, the early Shang Dynasty showcased proficiency in producing an array of bronze items on a large scale. The bronze axe, a commonplace weapon in Shang society, is a prime example of this craftsmanship. Besides weapons, the Shang Dynasty was also renowned for its artistry, as evidenced by the white pottery pot featuring a geometric design. Jade objects during this period featured meticulous workmanship, which is testimony to the exceptional skills of Shang artisans. These jade pieces encompassed a broad spectrum of items, from ceremonial axes and scepters to decorative ornaments and personal accessories such as pendants and hairpins.

The Shang Dynasty period stands as the earliest dynasty in Chinese history corroborated by written and archaeological evidence. Established around 1600 BCE, it was concentrated in north China along the Yellow River valley, the birthplace of Chinese civilization. The Shang royal family helmed the central government, running the empire from the capital city. After frequent relocations, they finally settled near modern Anyang from around 1300 BCE to 1050 BCE, until their ultimate overthrow by the Zhou people.

Archaeological discoveries reveal that the Shang rulers fostered a steady social hierarchy, primarily through shared religious and ceremonial practices. Kings frequently performed sacrificial rituals for ancestors to garner their favor and protection, thus ingraining ancestor worship into Chinese culture. Bronze vessels, especially those for wine, were integral to these ceremonies, as they were used to present offerings to ancestral spirits. The importance of wine vessels is evident in the vast number and variety unearthed from Shang tombs. Several bronze vessels bear brief inscriptions, typically naming a clan and deceased ancestor. The Shang’s predilection for animal motifs is reflected in the designs found on ceremonial bronzes, featuring taotie masks, dragons, birds, and geometric patterns. Though bronze was employed to manufacture warfare weapons, its primary use was in crafting tools that boosted agricultural productivity. Burial sites from the Shang era have yielded a rich variety of jade grave goods, underlining the material's importance in funerary rituals and beliefs in the afterlife.

Jade continued to play an important role in Chinese art throughout the centuries. Artworks crafted from jade across history were made in various sizes, extending from minuscule to large. In the modern era, there is a focus towards understanding the mineral composition of jade materials in the study of early Chinese jades. In China, the mineral content of over 500 excavated jades, dating from the Neolithic period to the Han dynasty, has been analyzed at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Nephrite, a fine-grained, massive variety of tremolite-actinolite, is the most commonly identified material, followed by serpentine, marble, olivine, and corundum.

In summary, the Neolithic jade era in China and the artifacts of the Shang Dynasty are intimately linked, sharing similar color tones. Jade was manipulated into a wide range of forms and objects, from tools to masks to sculptures, and served significant roles in both religious and artistic contexts. A plethora of these artifacts have withstood the passage of time and continue to captivate scholars and admirers today.

References:

"Neolithic Jade (5000-2000 BC)." China Online Museum. https://www.comuseum.com/jade/neolithic/.

"Collecting guide: Chinese jades." Christie's. https://www.christies.com/features/Collecting-Chinese-Jade-7780-1.aspx.

"Shang Dynasty: China, 1600–1046 B.C." Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art. https://asia.si.edu/learn/for-educators/teaching-china-with-the-smithsonian/explore-by-dynasty/shang-dynasty-2/.

Brown, Veronica. "Jade in Neolithic and Shang Dynasty China." The Department of Art and Theatre 2, no. 2 (2023): 20-23.

Jade Sword, Liangzhu Culture, National Palace Museum, Taipei

Jade Cong, c. 2500 B.C.E