gems, jade, nephrite, China

A critical review of the proposed Chinese “Jade Age” (c. 3500–2000 BCE), examining its archaeological foundations and relationship to historiography and nationalism. Drawing on discoveries at Hongshan, Lingjiatan, Liangzhu, and other regional cultures, the authors trace the concept from its supposed antecedent in the Han-period Yuejue Shu to modern formulations. They argue that the ancient text inspired a new category rather than preserving an established periodisation. Competing definitions associate jade with ritual authority, prestige goods, craft specialisation, and social inequality. The concept also reflects the shift towards regional models of Chinese civilisation while supporting claims of national antiquity and cultural continuity. The authors recognise its analytical value but warn against imposing unity on diverse societies, projecting later texts backwards, and marginalising achievements unrelated to jade. Useful primarily as a historiographical study of jade, elite power, and archaeological periodisation.