The Central Plains, with its vast and fertile land, not only nurtured the foundations of Chinese civilization but also concealed countless magnificent treasures. Among them, a type of jade, known for its unique colors, warm texture, and long history, is called "Nanyang Dushan Jade," or simply Dushan Jade. It is not only a geological marvel but also a brilliant pearl in the history of Chinese jade culture, embodying the Central Plains people's pursuit of beauty and reverence for nature.
The discovery and utilization of Dushan Jade can be traced back to the distant Neolithic Age. As early as 6,000 years ago during the Yangshao Culture period, Dushan Jade had already entered the sight of early humans. Archaeological excavations at the Huangshan site in Nanyang, Henan, have unearthed a large number of Dushan Jade artifacts such as spades, huang (arc-shaped pendants), and bi (disc-shaped pendants). Their exquisite craftsmanship and unique shapes silently narrate the important position of Dushan Jade in early jade culture. These unearthed artifacts not only prove that Dushan Jade is one of the earliest jade types exploited in China but also reveal the leading position of the Central Plains region in jade craftsmanship. Imagine, in an era of extremely low productivity, how did early humans extract jade raw materials from the hard Dushan mountain, and how did they, with simple tools, carve these materials into exquisite objects? Behind this lies a profound understanding of jade and a devout belief in all things in heaven and earth.
The cultural significance of Dushan Jade extends far beyond its practical value as an ornament or tool. In ancient China, jade was regarded as an important medium for connecting heaven and earth, carrying rituals, and symbolizing virtue. Dushan Jade, with its varied colors—from pure white, elegant green, to mysterious purple, passionate red, and unique mottled colors—provided ancient people with rich creative materials. For example, during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Dushan Jade was often used to make ritual objects and sacrificial items, such as cong (cylindrical tubes) and gui (ceremonial tablets), which were symbols of royal and divine power, and important media for communicating between humans and gods. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Dushan Jade was endowed with more moral connotations. Confucius once said, "A gentleman compares his virtue to jade," and the warmth, toughness, and introversion of Dushan Jade perfectly matched the character of a gentleman. The flourishing jade culture in the State of Chu during the Warring States period also had intricate connections with Dushan Jade. The people of Chu cherished jade as beauty and used jade to serve gods, and the appearance of Dushan Jade undoubtedly added a brilliant chapter to the prosperity of Chu culture.
By the Han Dynasty, the mining and processing of Dushan Jade reached a new peak. Nanyang, as the origin of Dushan Jade, thus became an important center for jade craftsmanship. Han Dynasty Dushan Jade artifacts were not only numerous but also exquisitely crafted, with many ingenious works of art appearing. It is believed that some jade pieces in the famous "Jade Suit Sewn with Gold Thread" were made from Dushan Jade. This not only reflects the noble status of Dushan Jade in society at that time but also reflects the Han people's belief in "burying with jade," believing that jade could preserve the body and ensure the eternal existence of the soul. After the Tang and Song dynasties, with the rise of other jade types such as Hetian Jade, the status of Dushan Jade declined somewhat, but its unique artistic value and cultural connotations were still cherished by the world. Many literati and poets still used Dushan Jade as a theme to create poems and odes, praising its virtues.
In modern times, Dushan Jade culture continues to thrive. Nanyang Dushan Jade carving, as a national intangible cultural heritage, has inherited and developed traditional Dushan Jade carving techniques, giving rise to a large number of skilled jade carving masters. They combine the natural colors and textures of Dushan Jade with modern aesthetics to create breathtaking works of art. For example, by utilizing the "qiaose" (skillful use of color) technique of Dushan Jade, different colored jade materials are cleverly integrated into carved works, forming unique artistic effects, making each Dushan Jade carving a unique artistic treasure. At the same time, with the advancement of technology, research into the mineralogy and geology of Dushan Jade has also deepened, providing scientific basis for better protection and development of this precious resource. The establishment of the Dushan Jade Museum provides an important platform for the public to understand the history, culture, and art of Dushan Jade.
Dushan Jade is not just a stone; it is a gift from the Central Plains and a microcosm of Chinese civilization. It has come from ancient times, endured vicissitudes, and witnessed the rise and fall of the Chinese nation. Today, when we re-examine this warm jade, it carries not only the weight of history but also the Chinese nation's longing for a better life, its pursuit of moral character, and its adherence to and inheritance of traditional culture.