Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides the reader with the latest archaeological discoveries of Liangzhu culture for its sophisticated jade artifacts. The structure and contents systematically present that large-scale ritual vessels such as jade cong and bi were originally regarded as the embodiment of Zhou and Han dynasties have been proved as burial accessories of Liangzhu culture. This confirmation urges archaeologists to renew an earlier interpretation of societal development dimension in Liangzhu culture. The book discussed the compatibilities between types and function of Liangzhu jades vividly displayed. It provides archaeological researchers and students by gaining an in-depth perspective of aesthetic appreciation of jade while understanding of the spiritual world of people in Liangzhu as well as the transition between the functions of power and belief.
Table of ContentsPreface
Chapter I: Discovery and Awareness1. Let’s start with the Qianlong Emperor’s collection2. Archaeological discoveries and perceptions3. Class and society in the cemetery4. Discovering the vanished kingdom
Chapter II: Religion and Arts1. Discovery and interpretation of the emblem2. The gods and birds of Liangzhu culture3. Liangzhu culture’s dragon pattern4. The transmission and evolution of culture
Chapter III: Power and Faith1. The wizard’s divine crown and comb2. The jade of the surrender of the gods3. The scepter of arms and the king4. Types and functions of jade
Conclusion
