In the brilliant galaxy of Chinese civilization, jade, with its gentle and introverted, yet tough and unyielding character, embodies the nation's aesthetic taste and spiritual beliefs. Among the myriad beautiful jades, Dushan jade, with its unique vibrant colors and profound history, holds an irreplaceable position. It is not only a gift from the ancient land of Nanyang but also an important witness to the development and evolution of Chinese jade culture.
Dushan jade is named after Dushan Mountain, located in the northern suburbs of Nanyang City, Henan Province, where it is produced. This mountain, through geological changes over hundreds of millions of years, nurtured this unique jade. Its complex mineral composition results in a kaleidoscope of colors, including green, white, yellow, red, purple, black, and often a mix of these colors, creating a 'qiaose' (skillful use of natural colors) effect. This gives Dushan jade infinite creative possibilities in carving art. Ancient people praised it as having 'all five colors, with a luster that can be seen,' considering it one of China's four famous jades, alongside Xinjiang Hetian jade, Liaoning Xiuyan jade, and Shaanxi Lantian jade.
The history of Dushan jade can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. At the Huangshan site in Nanyang, dating back more than 7,000 years, archaeologists unearthed a large number of Dushan jade artifacts, such as jade shovels, jade huangs, and jade bi. These artifacts, with their simple yet exquisite craftsmanship, fully demonstrate that Dushan jade was one of the earliest types of jade exploited and utilized in China. Among the most astonishing discoveries is a Dushan jade axe unearthed from the Xiawanggang site in Xichuan, Henan, dating back approximately 5,000 years. Its regular shape and sharp blade indicate that Dushan jade was not only an ornament in ancient times but also an important production tool and ritual object. These early jade artifacts were not only manifestations of material civilization but also carriers of spiritual beliefs. They communicated between heaven and earth, connecting humans and gods, laying the profound foundation of Chinese jade culture's principle of 'carrying the Dao with jade.'
The glory of Dushan jade reached its peak during the Qin and Han dynasties. After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, he reportedly sent people to Dushan Mountain in Nanyang to mine jade for the creation of the Imperial Seal. Although the exact material of the Imperial Seal remains a subject of debate, the status of Dushan jade as a royal imperial material is evident. During the Han Dynasty, Nanyang, as an important prefecture, saw even greater prosperity in the mining and processing of Dushan jade. The famous 'jade burial suits' are a pinnacle of jade craftsmanship from this period. The 'gold-threaded jade suits' of Prince Liu Sheng of Zhongshan and his wife Dou Wan, unearthed from the Han tombs in Mancheng, Hebei, although primarily composed of Hetian jade pieces, their craftsmanship and understanding of jade were undoubtedly influenced by the Dushan jade culture of the time. Han Dynasty jade artifacts unearthed in the Nanyang area, such as jade bi, jade pendants, and jade belt hooks, all exhibit the warm, delicate, and richly colored characteristics of Dushan jade, as well as the majestic and grand style of Han Dynasty jade carving art.
During the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, and Sui and Tang Dynasties, although the mining and use of Dushan jade fluctuated, its application in folk and Buddhist art became increasingly widespread. In the Song and Yuan Dynasties, with the development of a commodity economy, Dushan jade products gradually entered ordinary households, becoming scholarly desk ornaments and daily accessories. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Dushan jade carving craftsmanship became even more refined, with a large number of ingenious jade carving masterpieces emerging, such as the 'Dushan Jade Nine-Dragon Wall' and 'Dushan Jade Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix.' These works pushed the use of Dushan jade's 'qiaose' to its extreme, leaving people in awe.
The Dushan jade culture has been able to thrive for thousands of years not only because of its superior material quality but also because of its high compatibility with the spiritual character of the Chinese nation. The 'five virtues' of jade – benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and integrity – are perfectly embodied in Dushan jade. Its warmth symbolizes benevolence, its toughness symbolizes perseverance, and its vibrant colors symbolize wisdom and tolerance. Dushan jade is not merely a mineral; it is a materialized carrier of the Chinese nation's aesthetic taste, moral concepts, and philosophical thoughts.
In contemporary times, Dushan jade culture is radiating new vitality. Nanyang, known as the 'Home of Chinese Jade Carving,' has its Dushan jade carving techniques listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Dushan jade carvers uphold tradition while constantly innovating, combining modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship to create more jade carving masterpieces that align with the spirit of the times. From exquisite jewelry to large artistic摆件, Dushan jade, with its unique charm, continues to tell the story of the Chinese nation's indissoluble bond with jade. It is not only a historical treasure but also a cultural bridge connecting the past and the future, carrying the Chinese nation's yearning and pursuit of a better life.