Hello everyone, I am Zhao Yaqin. I have been immersed in the jade industry for over thirty years, with a particular fondness for the warmth and profound depth of ancient jade. Ancient jade is not merely a cold mineral; it is a vessel of millennia of Chinese civilization, solidified history, and a cultural code that transcends time. Today, I would like to share some of my latest thoughts and unique insights into the study of ancient jade culture.

In recent years, with advancements in technology and the deepening of interdisciplinary research, our understanding of ancient jade is undergoing a profound transformation. In the past, we primarily focused on the material, color, patterns, and forms of ancient jade, which are undoubtedly important and form the basis of authentication. However, I now advocate for placing ancient jade within a broader historical and cultural context, interpreting its deeper meanings from multiple dimensions, including sociology, anthropology, archaeology, and art history.

First, I want to emphasize the perspective of "the evolution of ancient jade's social functions." Ancient jade is not a static art form; its social functions have continuously evolved with the changing times. Early Neolithic jade artifacts, such as the jade pig-dragon from the Hongshan culture and the cong from the Liangzhu culture, primarily served functions related to primitive religious beliefs and shamanistic rituals. They were sacred objects used to communicate with heaven and earth, symbolizing power. Their forms are ancient and unadorned, with abstract patterns often bearing traces of fertility worship and totem worship. For example, the "deity and beast-face motif" on Liangzhu jade cong, with its complex structure and mysterious expression, is by no means simple decoration but a concrete manifestation of power and belief. Through studying these functions, we can gain a deeper understanding of early social structures, belief systems, and power distribution models.

Entering the slave and feudal societies, the social functions of jade artifacts gradually diversified. Ritual jade became increasingly prominent, evolving into a cultural symbol embodying the virtues of "comparing jade to virtue" and "a gentleman never parts with jade without reason." The Zhou Dynasty's "Six Rui" and "Six Qi" system closely integrated jade artifacts with the hierarchical system and ritual norms, becoming an important tool for maintaining social order. Simultaneously, the wearing of jade ornaments also began to flourish, reflecting an elevation of aesthetic concepts and the pursuit of a better life. The Han Dynasty's "jade suit sewn with gold thread" represents the ultimate expression of funerary practices, reflecting the strong desire of people at that time for immortality and the indestructibility of the soul. The forms, patterns, colors, and even carving techniques of these ancient jades from different periods are all closely related to the social customs and ideological concepts of their time.

Secondly, I want to propose "the regional cultural diversity of ancient jade" as a research direction. The vast land of China presents distinct characteristics in its ancient jade cultures across different regions. For example, the jade artifacts of the Hongshan culture in the northeastern region are famous for their unique C-shaped dragons, pig-dragons, and "hooked cloud patterns." The Liangzhu culture jade artifacts in the lower Yangtze River are represented by cong, bi, and exquisite "deity and beast-face motifs." In contrast, the Erlitou culture and Shang and Zhou dynasty jade artifacts in the Central Plains placed more emphasis on ritual and symbols of power. These regional differences are not accidental but are closely linked to the local natural environment, ethnic composition, cultural traditions, and historical processes. By comparatively studying ancient jades from different regions, we can more clearly delineate the evolutionary trajectory of the diverse yet unified Chinese civilization.

For instance, I once had the privilege of encountering a jade zhang unearthed from Sanxingdui in Sichuan. Its form bore similarities to contemporary jade zhang from the Central Plains, but the mysterious symbols carved on it and its unique openwork craftsmanship carried a strong flavor of Bashu culture. This jade zhang was not only a ritual object but also a testament to cultural exchange and integration. It reminds us that when studying ancient jade, we must never generalize but should look across the country, and even globally, to find its cultural origins and influences.

Furthermore, the application of technology in ancient jade research is opening up entirely new possibilities. Non-destructive testing techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, can accurately analyze the mineral composition and provenance of jade artifacts, and even identify subtle differences between artificial dyeing and natural coloration. 3D scanning technology can precisely restore the original form of ancient jade, providing detailed data for studying its manufacturing processes and carving techniques. The use of these technological methods makes our research more scientific and objective, and also provides strong support for the authentication of ancient jade.

Of course, while technology assists, humanistic care and historical warmth must never be absent. The charm of ancient jade lies not only in the rarity of its material but also in the humanistic spirit it embodies. Every piece of ancient jade encapsulates the wisdom, emotions, and aesthetics of ancient people. In our research, we must strive to feel this historical warmth and interpret the "wordless book" left by our ancestors.

In summary, the study of ancient jade culture is moving from traditional "material culture studies" to a broader "cultural studies." We must not only know "what" but also "why." Future research directions should emphasize interdisciplinary integration, combining archaeological discoveries, historical documents, scientific analysis, and humanistic interpretation to build a multi-layered, multi-dimensional research system for ancient jade culture.

For the vast number of ancient jade enthusiasts and collectors, my advice is:

  • Establish a systematic knowledge framework: Read widely, study diligently, and understand the characteristics of ancient jade from different historical periods and regions to form your own knowledge framework.


  • Combine practice with theory: Examine many physical objects, handle them frequently, and improve your discernment through practice, but do not buy blindly. Always be guided by theoretical knowledge.


  • Maintain a sense of reverence: Ancient jade is a historical relic, an irreplaceable cultural heritage. Treat it with a mindset of preservation and inheritance.


  • Be wary of market irregularities: The ancient jade market is a mixed bag. Verify information from multiple sources, invest cautiously, do not easily believe "stories," and avoid the mentality of "finding a bargain."


Ancient jade is a treasure of the Chinese nation, a bridge connecting the past and the present. Let us work together to unveil more of the mysterious veil of ancient jade, allowing these cultural codes, dormant for thousands of years, to shine with even greater brilliance in the new era. Thank you all!