In the long river of Chinese civilization, jade is not only a symbol of material wealth but also a carrier of spiritual beliefs. If Xinjiang Hetian jade is renowned for its warm and subtle charm, then Dushan jade from Nanyang, Henan, with its vibrant and varied colors and inherent strength, writes a unique chapter in the jade culture of the Central Plains. It is not only one of China's four famous jades but also carries the early civilization codes of the Chinese nation, witnessing the pursuit of beauty and reverence for heaven and earth by the Chinese people.
Dushan Mountain, anciently known as "Yushan," is located in the northern suburbs of Nanyang City, Henan Province. Legend has it that Yu the Great once stopped at this mountain during his flood control efforts, hence it is also known as "Yushan." The history of Dushan jade mining can be traced back more than 7,000 years to the Neolithic Age. Archaeologists have discovered a large number of Dushan jade artifacts, such as jade shovels, jade huang (arc-shaped pendants), and jade axes, at Neolithic cultural sites such as the Huangshan site in Nanyang and the Dahecun site in Zhengzhou. These unearthed artifacts, with their ancient shapes and exquisite craftsmanship, silently tell the important status of Dushan jade in the nascent period of Chinese civilization. Especially during the Yangshao culture period, more than 5,000 years ago, Dushan jade artifacts had become symbols of social status and identity. Its unique characteristic of multiple colors intertwined, such as red, green, white, yellow, blue, and purple, made it stand out among many jades, earning it the reputation of "Nanyang Emerald."
The cultural significance of Dushan jade goes far beyond this. It is closely linked to the political, economic, and cultural development of the Central Plains. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, Dushan jade was widely used to make ritual objects, sacrificial vessels, and ornaments. Although the famous "Xia Jie Jade Gui" has not been precisely unearthed, historical records state that "Jie built a jade terrace, with jade steps," hinting at the status of Dushan jade in early kingship. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Nanyang, as an important town of Chu culture, saw Dushan jade carving techniques reach a new peak. Chu jade artifacts were known for their majestic, grand, romantic, and mysterious style. Dushan jade, with its moderate hardness and rich colors, became an ideal medium for the Chu people to express their unique aesthetic concepts. For example, a Warring States period Dushan jade belt hook unearthed in Nanyang, with its fine carving and intricate patterns, demonstrates the superb jade carving level and the aesthetic taste of the aristocratic class at that time.
After the Han Dynasty, the exploitation and utilization of Dushan jade entered its heyday. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Dushan jade was used to make the jade pieces for the "jade burial suit with gold threads," in pursuit of preserving the body after death and ensuring the soul's immortality. During this period, the carving themes of Dushan jade also became more extensive, from mythical beasts and auspicious birds to human stories, all meticulously carved and lifelike. During the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, although the mining of Dushan jade fluctuated, its status as a local characteristic jade species never wavered. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dushan jade carving craftsmanship reached a pinnacle, with many famous Dushan jade carvers emerging. Their works, either ingeniously crafted or magnificent, became brilliant pearls in the treasure house of Chinese jade culture.
Dushan jade not only carries the weight of history but also radiates new vitality in modern times. Today, Nanyang Dushan jade carving is a national intangible cultural heritage, and its unique "qiaose" (skillful use of natural colors) craftsmanship is unparalleled. The multiple colors of Dushan jade can be cleverly utilized by carvers to form natural color transitions and contrasts, making the works more artistically appealing. For example, a piece of Dushan jade material with red, green, and white colors can be carved into a red flower, green leaf, and white jade vase, appearing natural and exquisitely crafted. This ultimate use of the jade material's natural colors reflects the Dushan jade carvers' aesthetic concept of "unity of nature and man" and their superb skills.
In contemporary times, Dushan jade is not only a prized possession sought after by collectors but also a cultural calling card for Nanyang and even Henan. With its unique charm, it connects the past and the present, inheriting the deep affection of the Chinese nation for jade and its yearning for a better life. From the primitive worship of the Neolithic Age to the power symbol of emperors and generals, and then to the ornaments and playthings of ordinary people, Dushan jade has traversed thousands of years, telling the long and profound story of Chinese civilization with its vibrant colors and tenacious texture, and inspiring us to continue exploring and inheriting this precious cultural heritage.