Located in the area of Shangcunling in the north of Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, the cemetery of the princely states from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Spring and Autumn Period is a cemetery of the princely states. Since 1956, after two large-scale archaeological excavations, more than 250 noble tombs have been discovered, including two tombs of the monarch, the tomb of the monarch's wife, and the tomb of the crown prince. The discovery of these tombs provides valuable information for us to understand the patriarchal law, the burial system, and the history and culture of the Kingdom of Qiu.
M2009 is the tomb of Yu Zhong, the monarch of the Kingdom of Qiu, which was excavated in the 90s of the last century. In the tomb of this monarch, a large number of bronze ritual vessels and very exquisite jade artifacts have been unearthed, of which there are 20 pieces of jade Huang alone. The appearance of these jade huangs fully reflects the noble identity of the tomb owner, and also provides physical evidence for us to understand the ceremonial system of the late Western Zhou Dynasty.
This dragon-patterned jade is green and jade-colored, warm as jade, and translucent. Late Western Zhou Dynasty, 97 cm, width 19 cm, thickness 06 cm. The front and back sides are decorated with a double dragon pattern of yin lines, and the image is vivid and lifelike. The dragon ornament is a common motif in ancient Chinese jade, representing power, dignity and auspiciousness. On this jade, the double dragons are intertwined to form a unique artistic effect.
The craftsmanship of Jade Huang is very exquisite. The craftsmen used superb carving techniques to bring the image of the dragon to life. The dragon's eye is in the shape of "minister", and the corners of the eyes are curved, showing a majestic demeanor. The large moire ears and the fine parallel curves on the top of the head serve as fluttering hair, making the image of the dragon more vivid. The tails of the double dragon are intertwined and fused into one, forming a unique artistic shape.
Huang is a kind of arc-shaped jade, which appeared as early as the Neolithic Age, and is numerous in number and widely distributed. In the middle of the Neolithic Age, Yuhuang was widely distributed in the Yangtze River and Yellow River basins, with the Yangtze River basin being the most discovered. In the late Neolithic period, the distribution area of Yuhuang began to gradually expand, including the Yangtze River and the Yellow River basin in the middle, the Songhua River basin in the north, the Pearl River basin in the south, and Qamdo County in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in the west. During the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, jade huang became one of the important ritual vessels.
As a ceremonial jade in the late Western Zhou Dynasty, the dragon pattern jade has rich cultural implications. First of all, it embodies the ancient people's worship and reverence for dragons. In ancient Chinese culture, the dragon was regarded as a symbol of auspiciousness and majesty, and it was believed that it would bring blessings of good weather and abundant harvests. Therefore, the dragon-shaped ornament is engraved on the jade huang, implying a good wish for peace and good luck.
Secondly, the dragon pattern jade is also a ritual vessel to worship the god of Xuanwu in the north. Xuanwu is regarded as the god of water, and the ancients worshipped the god Xuanwu and also had the will to pray for good weather and refuge. By sacrificing to the god Xuanwu, people hope to be blessed by the gods and bless the peace of the water and soil and a good harvest.
In addition, jade huang is also a kind of ornamental jade. In ancient society, jade was regarded as a symbol of auspiciousness and purity, and wearing jade could ward off evil spirits and bless peace. Therefore, the dragon pattern jade is often worn on the neck, chest and abdomen of the aristocratic class to show the status and noble temperament.
This dragon-patterned jade unearthed from the cemetery of the Kingdom of Yu is one of the important cultural relics of the late Western Zhou Dynasty. It not only demonstrates the exquisite skills and rich cultural connotations of ancient craftsmen, but also provides physical evidence for us to understand the ritual system of the fortnight. At the same time, this jade huang also reflects the ancient people's worship and reverence for dragons and the sacrificial culture of the Xuanwu gods.
Through the study and interpretation of this dragon jade, we can better understand the etiquette system, cultural beliefs and artistic creations of craftsmen in ancient societies. This is of great significance for us to recognize and understand ancient Chinese history and culture.
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