The Treasures of Eight Thousand Years
The Neolithic Age ca. 6200－1600 B.C.E.
Timeline of Dynasties:
(1) The Neolithic Age- Late Neolithic Age ca. 6200－2070 B.C.E.
- Hsia 2070－1600 B.C.E.
Main selection:
Jade kuei tablet
Shantung Lung-shan Culture (ca. 2600-2000 B.C.E)
Introduction:
At the dawn of civilization, jade and earthenware were used to carry out religious rituals and daily tasks. People went to quarries to polish rocks; and, knew how to heat clay in high temperature kilns to produce earthenware. They also stumbled upon a glossy and seemingly imperishable stone, they called "jade".
Chinese prehistoric jade items are unique in their distinctive regional characteristics in part attributed to ecological disparity. Also, each clan produced in an original style. For example, jade artifacts excavated from eastern China are ornamented with animal motifs. Those discovered in western China are noteworthy for their simple and rustic elegance.
 Hooked cloud-shaped pendant Late Hungshan Culture (ca. 4500-3000 B.C.E) |
 White pottery kuei vessel Late Tawenk'ou Culture (ca. 3000-2600 B.C.E.) |
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