Episode 11: A Short Story About the Dragon

Understanding Hongshan Culture Through Its Eyes

The Dragon as a Cultural Icon

The dragon is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Chinese civilization. About thirty years ago, spurred by a popular singer and an economic boom, the Chinese people gained a renewed sense of pride and began calling themselves “descendants of the dragon.” No longer confined to imperial symbolism, the dragon became personal—a symbol of shared cultural identity.

But what exactly is the dragon? Where did it come from, and how has its image evolved over thousands of years?

A Surprising Lack of Study

Surprisingly, very few academic studies have seriously explored the dragon’s origins. One rare exception is The Tale of the Dragon by Hayashi Minao, published in 1993. It remains one of the only scholarly efforts to decode the dragon through archaeological evidence—by analyzing how its design changed over time.

Most people assume the dragon is a mythical fusion of several animals. But Hayashi’s research reveals a more complex story. By tracing the evolution of dragon motifs across ancient jade artifacts, his work fills critical gaps left by historical texts and offers a framework for future studies.

Building on his foundation, I hope to shed new light on the dragon—one of the most misunderstood symbols of Chinese culture. Even a small step brings us closer to the truth.

The First Dragon?

One of the earliest archaeological dragon figures was unearthed in southeastern Inner Mongolia. Often referred to as “the first dragon,” this Neolithic jade piece now resides in a museum.

But is it the only dragon from the Hongshan culture? Of course not.

Many similar dragons have been found—and if you know what to look for, you might even find one for your own collection.

Common Features of Hongshan Jade Dragons

Hongshan jade dragons typically exhibit these features:

Curved "C"-shaped body – graceful, minimal carving to preserve the jade’s natural spirit
Perfectly balanced central hole – likely used for hanging; how they calculated the exact center remains a mystery
Inward-curling tail – ends in a rounded but sharp tip
Distinct facial details:
- Long, backward-curving crest, often sharpened
- Raised triangular eyes
- Hollowed bridge to emphasize the forehead and upturned, squared nose with drilled nostrils
- A long incised line for the mouth
- A rounded jaw, sometimes carved with crosshatched “reverse scales”—a motif symbolizing provocation or danger, as echoed in ancient texts

Spotlight Artifact: Dragon with a Falcon

One remarkable example I want to highlight is a jade dragon with a falcon landing on its head.

The falcon’s beak is poised to strike the dragon below. Though smaller in size, the falcon dominates the scene—fearless and precise. It represents the spiritual guide of the hunting people, subduing the mighty dragon.

This hunting motif also appears in 13th-century Liao Dynasty art, where a falcon tames a swan. Both scenes are signatures of a hunting worldview—and both place the falcon in a position of control.

A Four-Point Analysis

Let’s examine this dragon-falcon piece using the jadeology method:

1. Material

Made from pure white, high-quality Hetian jade—just like the falcon buckle introduced in Episode 9. This confirms that the hunting group had access to premium jade from distant regions.

2. Stain & Patina

The dragon’s side displays orange-red staining with varied intensity. A rich, thick layer of patina covers the piece, a clear indicator of its age and authenticity.

3. Design

This isn’t a classic “C”-shaped dragon—it’s a circular arm bracelet. The tail curves inward to form a smaller loop, mirroring the shape of a dorsal fin. The falcon, while small, is intricately carved: raised eyes, sharp beak, and shallow channels running across the body—a hallmark of Hongshan style. Here, the falcon leads. The dragon follows.

Hayashi once observed that Neolithic dragons were considered servants of the gods, not rulers. The association between dragons and state power came much later, likely during or after the Han Dynasty.

4. Craftsmanship

Expertly carved and polished. The design complexity and material quality make this a true masterpiece of Hongshan jade artistry.

Why I Keep Focusing on Hongshan Jade—Especially the Hunting People

Chinese history is usually framed around agriculture. The Yellow River valley is said to be the cradle of Chinese civilization, while neighboring cultures are labeled “barbarians.”

But what if that narrative is incomplete—or even backwards?

Decades ago, historian Chen Yinque proposed a radical idea: that hunting cultures saved agricultural ones. His theory was later suppressed by the Communist government. But now, jade artifacts from the Hongshan hunting culture offer tangible support for his claim.

These objects don’t just support a theory—they reveal a truth: hunting culture was not marginal, but foundational to early Chinese civilization.

This realization challenges us to rethink the roots of Chinese culture. It might change everything we thought we knew.

What Jadeology Offers

This is the essence of jadeology.

Ancient jade is not merely an artifact—it is a vessel of memory and belief. Its stories may run counter to conventional wisdom, but the truths carved in jade cannot be erased.

By closely reading jade design, we gain rare insight into ancient worldviews—insights not found in texts. Jadeology must be grounded in empirical observation. We must listen to jade itself.

A Note on Dragons in Ancient Texts

Ancient records often describe dragons as gods of rain. During droughts, people sculpted dragons from mud and used them in rituals. Afterward, the mud dragons were destroyed—perhaps explaining why none have survived.

More elaborate rituals may have used painted or wooden dragons, but no such examples have been recovered. We are still waiting for archaeology to confirm the details described in early texts.

Despite its symbolic importance, the dragon’s evolution is still understudied. Hayashi Minao gave us a strong start. Through the lens of Hongshan jade, I hope to continue that journey—bringing clarity to a long-misunderstood icon.

Jadeology