This 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.

Autorentext

Bin Liu, Head of Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Director of the Conservation Center for Liangzhu Archaeological Site, has participated in several archaeological excavations at well-known sites, such as Fanshan and Yaoshan in Yuhang, Zhejiang Province, and Zhongbao Island in Yichang, Hubei Province. He has also presided over excavations of various Neolithic heritage sites, like Heye Land and Shedun Temple in Haining, Huiguan Mountain in Yuhang, and Nanhebang in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province. From 2006 to 2007, he led the drilling survey at Liangzhu site and discovered the ancient city of Liangzhu. His major works include Nanhebang: Report on Excavation of Songze Cultural Heritage (Cultural Relics Press, 2005); Complete Collection of Chinese Unearthed Jade Artifacts, Zhejiang Volume (Science Press, 2005); and Liangzhu Culture: World of Sorcerer (Zhejiang Photography Press, 2007).

Inhalt

Preface 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