Western Zhou Dynasty jade, ancient jade

2026-09-03 19:24

Jade articles of the Western Zhou Dynasty were an important part of the development of ancient jade articles in China. There were many types of jade in the Western Zhou Dynasty. The following were some of the common types: - ** Jade Bi **: In the early days, there were many plain jade pieces. The edges were irregular and there were cutting marks and damages. The surface was thick inside and thin outside. There was a deep straight line cut, and the middle hole was single-sided. In the later period, there were decorative patterns such as dragon patterns, phoenix patterns, and cloud patterns carved by negative lines. The lines were softer and smoother than those of the Shang Dynasty, and the composition was more rigorous. - ** Jade Cong **: Most of the shapes are square pillars of different heights. The round hole in the center is larger, and the corners are straight and strong. Most of the surfaces are smooth without patterns. Very few of them are carved with bird patterns or other decorations on the four surfaces of the square body. - Gui: It was an important ritual vessel of the Western Zhou Dynasty. It was flat and rectangular, with an equinocratic triangle at the top. It was well-made and generally had no decorative patterns. - ** Huang **: Half-wall or fan-shaped, with holes on both ends. Other than the light element ones, the dragon patterns and phoenix patterns were usually carved with light dark lines. The lines were smooth and there were also some that were directly in the shape of animals, which was more vivid and unique. - ** Ge **: Most of them inherited the shape and characteristics of the Shang Dynasty Ge. There are also small and exquisitely made small jade Ge ornaments. Some are decorated with phoenix and divine beast (human) patterns. The design is ingenious and the shape is unique, increasing the sacred and noble atmosphere. - ** Handle-shaped ware **: flat body, different shapes and sizes, most of them are the same as the handle-shaped ware of the Shang Dynasty, a few of them have bird patterns and cloud patterns on the surface, and the end is inlaid with decorative objects made of turquoise and jade strips, which may have ceremonial or symbolic significance. - ** Jue **: Oblate round, shaped like a ring or a piece of jade but with a gap. It is a popular earring. Most of them are light and have no patterns. A few of them have phoenix patterns or dragon patterns carved by Yin lines. The lines are smooth and the craftsmanship is exquisite. - ** God, Man, and Beast Face Ornaments **: A flat embossed shape. The face is engraved with the style of the Shang Dynasty. The word "minister" is written on it. It has a cloud head and a nose. It wears a flat hat. There are curly horn-shaped ornaments on both sides of the head. The back is flat and smooth. There are holes under the neck. It may be inlaid jewelry. - ** Dragon **: Its shape is basically similar to the dragon of the Shang Dynasty. There are many pieces. The decorative lines have become smooth and smooth from the square folding of the Shang Dynasty. In the later period, the dragon body is thin and long. The carving of the horns is not obvious and even becomes cloud-shaped ears. The word "minister" is gradually replaced by round eyes. - ** Bird **: flat cuboid, mostly with circles as eyes, short horns on the top of the head, wide mouth with protruding tips at the upper and lower ends, wide drooping tail, less complex geometric patterns of the Shang Dynasty on the body, with a small number of Yin lines to represent the wings and long tail, two claws lying down, a round hole in the chest. - ** owl **: It glides with flat wings. Its beak is curved at the chest and has a hole. It has round eyes and a dense herringbone line on its forehead. The double hook lines on its back are engraved with the pattern of clouds and thunder. The line on the short tail is more dense. There is a special structure under the abdomen. It may still be a god worshipped in the Western Zhou Dynasty. - ** Ox **: Standing posture, four short limbs with simple hoofs, round body, smooth without any patterns, drooping tail, head ratio slightly smaller than the Shang Dynasty, has a certain realistic meaning. - ** Tiger **: There are many flat plates. The shape is the same as that of the Shang Dynasty. It is lying down. The tiger head is flat or drooping. The cloud-shaped ears are raised upwards. The mouth is open and the teeth are exposed. The tail is upturned or curled. The early decoration is similar to that of the Shang Dynasty. In the later period, only a single Yin line is used to represent the outline of the limbs. - [Deer]: There are models such as turning back, looking forward, lying down, standing, etc. They are generally in the shape of a sheet. They are light and have no patterns. They only have a simple outline, but their antlers are exquisitely carved. - Fish: Inherited the shape of the late Shang Dynasty, flat, or straight or slightly curved in a semicircle, the circle is the eye, the mouth is wide and pointed at both ends, there is a short shadow line carved on the back fin and the lower abdomen dividing fin, the tail part is a small fork, the fish body is light or decorated with curved scale patterns, the shadow line is carved shallow and thin, the mouth is often pierced. These Western Zhou jades had a unique artistic style in terms of craftsmanship, shape, and decoration, reflecting the culture, etiquette, and aesthetic concepts of the time. Read more exciting novels for free