Distinguished colleagues and fellow collectors, good day to you all. I am Zhao Yaqin, and I have immersed myself in the world of jade for decades. In my companionship with ancient jade and my dialogues with history, I have profoundly felt its boundless charm. Today, I wish to share some of my latest thoughts on the research of ancient jade culture, hoping to offer some new insights.
For a long time, our research on ancient jade has primarily focused on traditional appraisal dimensions such as typology, ornamentation, patination, and craftsmanship. While these aspects are undoubtedly crucial and form the bedrock of ancient jade's value, with the advancement of technology and the rise of interdisciplinary research, our understanding of ancient jade is undergoing a profound transformation. I personally believe that the latest trend in ancient jade research lies in moving beyond the "object" level to deeply excavate its "cultural genes" and "social attributes," thereby elevating our approach from mere "appreciation" to profound "interpretation."
Firstly, there is a breakthrough in "micro-level sourcing." In the past, determining the origin of jade material largely relied on experience. However, now, through high-tech methods such as isotope analysis and trace element detection, we can more precisely trace the mineral origins of ancient jade. For instance, research on Hongshan culture jade artifacts a few years ago, through the analysis of strontium isotopes in the jade material, further confirmed its close connection to the Xiuyan area of Liaoning. This is not merely a technological advancement; more importantly, it provides solid material evidence for us to construct the dissemination pathways of prehistoric jade culture, allowing us to more clearly depict the magnificent panorama of ancient people mining, transporting, and processing jade materials across vast lands. This represents not just the flow of jade material, but also the exchange and collision of cultures.
Secondly, there is a deepening of "contextual restoration." Ancient jade does not exist in isolation; it is a product of specific historical contexts, embodying the beliefs, aesthetics, rituals, and even social structures of ancient people. Previously, we primarily obtained information from archaeological reports. However, now, we place greater emphasis on combining documentary records, ethnographic data, and even anthropological research to conduct multi-dimensional restorations of the usage scenarios of ancient jade. For example, regarding jade ge (dagger-axes) and jade yue (battle-axes) from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, we should not only examine their forms but also understand their dual meaning as symbols of power and ritual implements in conjunction with the warfare and sacrificial systems of the time. Another example is the jade burial suit of the Han Dynasty, whose cultural value lies far beyond the suit itself, encompassing the funerary concept of "serving the dead as if they were alive" and the pursuit of immortality. Through contextual restoration, we can make dormant ancient jade "come alive," allowing them to tell more vivid and richer stories.
Thirdly, there is an expansion of "digital empowerment." Digital technology has brought unprecedented opportunities to ancient jade research. High-precision 3D scanning, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies allow us to observe and analyze ancient jade non-destructively and from multiple angles. For instance, through 3D modeling, we can virtually restore damaged jade artifacts and even attempt to reconstruct their original forms. Furthermore, by utilizing big data analysis, we can compare and classify massive amounts of ancient jade data, discovering patterns and connections that are difficult to detect with traditional methods. Imagine, in the future, we could hold "digital ancient jade" in a virtual museum, zoom in to observe every carving, and feel the warmth of its history – what an exciting experience that would be!
Of course, amidst these new trends, we must remain clear-headed. Technology is a tool, not an end. We should not pursue technology for its own sake, but rather always prioritize the cultural connotations of ancient jade. At the same time, interdisciplinary collaboration has become particularly important. Jade scholars need to work closely with geologists, historians, archaeologists, computer scientists, and even art historians to jointly unravel the mysteries of ancient jade.
In summary, the study of ancient jade culture is moving from a singular artifact-based appreciation to a multi-dimensional, deep-level cultural interpretation. We are no longer merely satisfied with "what kind of jade this is," but also asking "why this particular piece of jade," "what role it played at that time," and "how it influenced the lives and thoughts of ancient people."
Looking ahead, I suggest that we:
- Encourage interdisciplinary research: Break down traditional disciplinary barriers and promote the deep integration of jade studies with natural sciences and humanities.
- Embrace technological innovation: Actively utilize digital and intelligent means to enhance the breadth and depth of ancient jade research.
- Focus on social value: While researching ancient jade culture, we must also consider how to bring the charm of ancient jade into public life and pass on excellent traditional Chinese culture.
Ancient jade is a treasure of Chinese civilization, with each piece carrying profound history and deep wisdom. As researchers of ancient jade, our mission is to make these silent stones speak again, telling their stories that have traversed millennia. Let us work together to make the brilliance of ancient jade shine even more brightly in the new era! Thank you all.