Episode 7: How an Ancient Jade Piece Becomes a Key to Uncovering History

In the last episode, we introduced jadeology, the study of jade and its cultural, historical, and material significance. Today, we’ll dive deeper by examining how an ancient jade piece can reveal remarkable insights about history, culture, and craftsmanship. This is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate why physical and chemical tests—while valuable for identifying material composition—cannot uncover the profound historical and cultural stories embedded in ancient jade artifacts.

To illustrate this, we’ll use an example: a Hongshan culture jade armguard. By applying our four-point check method, we’ll analyze the piece to uncover its historical significance, cultural context, and more. For a detailed view of this jade armguard, be sure to check out Episode 11 of my YouTube series, where I discuss this artifact in-depth.

1. Jade Material

The armguard is made of translucent gray-green jade, a material commonly used by the Hongshan people.

2. Stains/Patina

The piece has ice-flake-like stains along its edges, with deeper, white creamy calcium deposits indicating deterioration. This less translucent area suggests exposure to fire, likely during a ritual.

3. Design

The design is both practical and sophisticated. The jade is hollowed out evenly, with a gradual curve that fits comfortably on the wrist. The edges are slightly carved upward to prevent irritation. Two holes on each side are paired with a small channel on the underside, allowing silk threads to tie the armguard securely without irritating the skin.

4. Craftsmanship

The surface is marked with a signature channeled design, created using a stone slab with water and sand. This technique gives the hard jade surface a soft, silk-like appearance—an artistic hallmark of the Hongshan culture.

What This Jade Tells Us

While this armguard is a common Hongshan artifact, it reveals profound insights:

1. Rituals and Fire Sacrifice

   • The creamy patina suggests the jade was exposed to fire as part of a ritual before burial.

   • This indicates that fire ceremonies, which symbolized transporting objects to another world, may have originated as early as 5,000–6,000 years ago in the Hongshan culture. This practice has evolved but continues in modern Chinese traditions, such as burning paper offerings for the deceased.

2. Cultural Advancement

   • The thoughtful design reflects the Hongshan people's advanced understanding of human anatomy and engineering.

   • The presence of silk-thread channels implies the use of strong silk threads, hinting at the existence of silk fabric—a luxury likely reserved for leaders or elites.

3. Purpose and Lifestyle

   • The armguard was likely used for protection during hunting, especially with trained eagles, much like falconry in some Arabic cultures.

   • Its use suggests that Hongshan people might have hunted on horseback, indicating an early nomadic lifestyle integrated with advanced craftsmanship and rituals.

A New Perspective on Nomadic Culture

Traditionally, nomadic people were viewed as uncivilized and outside the core of Chinese culture. However, this artifact suggests otherwise. The Hongshan culture, blending nomadic and advanced practices, may have been integral to early Chinese civilization rather than an external influence.

Chen Yinke, a renowned scholar, once argued that nomadic peoples saved Chinese culture multiple times over 2,500 years by introducing new vitality. Building on his theory, I propose that nomadic culture was not only a savior but also a foundational part of Chinese civilization from its inception.

Listening to Jade

From this one jade piece, we uncover layers of history, culture, and innovation. Physical and chemical tests cannot reveal these stories—they come from careful observation, understanding, and asking the right questions.

Isn’t it fascinating how ancient jade lets us peek into the distant past, not only to admire its beauty but to rethink history itself?

Stay tuned—next time, we’ll explore even deeper insights.