As an ancient jade collector, whenever I caress a warm piece of Shang or Zhou dynasty jade, my fingertips feel not just the cold stone, but also seem to touch the magnificent history of three thousand years ago. Shang and Zhou jades are not merely exquisite artifacts; they are microcosms of the social structure, religious beliefs, and political power of that era, brilliant milestones in the early development of Chinese civilization.
During the Shang Dynasty, an era dominated by divine power and prevalent shamanism, jade artifacts were imbued with extraordinary mystical powers. The archaeological discovery of Fu Hao's tomb in Yinxu is undoubtedly a key to understanding Shang dynasty jade culture. The 755 jade pieces unearthed from the tomb, astonishing in their quantity, variety, and exquisite craftsmanship, are truly breathtaking. Among them are jade ge (dagger-axes) and jade yue (battle-axes) symbolizing royal authority. These were not weapons for actual combat but ceremonial implements, showcasing the tomb owner's prominent status and military command during her lifetime. Even more striking are the numerous animal-shaped jade carvings, such as jade dragons, phoenixes, tigers, and elephants, which were often considered spiritual creatures capable of communicating between heaven and earth. For example, the famous jade phoenix, with its head held high and full wings, is identical in form to the phoenix patterns on bronze ware, suggesting the phoenix's status in the Shang people's minds as a divine messenger or auspicious totem. These jades are not only superb examples of carving art but also embody the Shang people's belief in "serving the dead as serving the living," reflecting their expectations for the afterlife and reverence for deities.
Upon entering the Western Zhou Dynasty, the Zhou people replaced the Shang's "theocratic politics" with "ritual and music civilization," and the function of jade consequently underwent profound changes. Duke of Zhou established rituals and music, incorporating jade into a strict ritual system. At this time, jade was no longer merely a medium for communicating with deities but also became a symbol of "virtue," an important vehicle for gentlemen to cultivate themselves and maintain social order. The "Rites of Zhou · Spring Officer · Grand Master" explicitly records "using jade to make six vessels to worship heaven, earth, and the four directions," referring to the six ritual jades: bi, cong, gui, zhang, hu, and huang, used respectively for sacrificing to heaven, earth, and the four cardinal points. For instance, a cyan bi was used to worship heaven, and a yellow cong to worship earth. These ritual vessels were regular in shape, simply yet solemnly carved, reflecting the Zhou people's pursuit of order and harmony. They were not just sacrificial items but also symbols of political power and manifestations of the hierarchical system. Nobles of different ranks wore jades of different forms and materials to indicate their status, which is the origin of the saying, "A gentleman never leaves his jade without cause." A small jade pendant carried the entire society's ethical norms and political philosophy.
Shang and Zhou jade craftsmanship also reached unprecedented heights. Shang dynasty jades often employed flat carving, with strong, vigorous lines and intricate, mysterious patterns, frequently featuring "臣"-shaped eyes and taotie masks. Western Zhou jades, however, gradually moved towards a combination of round carving, relief carving, and openwork, with flowing lines and more vivid, realistic forms. The patterns also shifted from mysterious and awe-inspiring to elegant and delicate, as seen in pieces like the "double-dragon-head jade huang" and "jade deer," all demonstrating superb artistic skill. It is particularly worth noting that during the Shang and Zhou periods, advanced jade-making techniques such as tube drilling, wire cutting, and polishing had already been mastered, which was an astonishing achievement in an era without metal tools.
Today, Shang and Zhou jades continue to captivate the world with their unique charm. They are not only treasures displayed in museums but also important windows into understanding the origins of Chinese civilization. Through these ancient jades, we see the Shang people's piety and exploration of the unknown, and the Zhou people's wisdom and construction of order. They tell stories of power shifts and belief changes, and also demonstrate the Chinese nation's unique understanding of beauty and persistent pursuit of the spiritual world. As collectors, we do not merely own these jades; we are also inheriting the cultural genes they represent. To enable more people to understand Shang and Zhou jades and appreciate the profound history and cultural heritage they embody is the best way for us to safeguard and continue this legacy of civilization.