The Hongshan culture came from the north-eastern part of China, around Liaoning, inner Mongolia, and close to the northern province of Hebei. Based on the findings at the Niuheliang site, the Hongshan demonstrated that they had a highly developed pyramide-shape society where the person that had the unique gift to communicate with the gods was the leader of that community. Religion and secular activities were merged, and they used their temples, altars, and burial mounds to connect and maintain their social system. Hongshan culture lasted nearly 2000 years. During this period, they created some of their most outstanding jade. Jade is among the most well-preserved remnants of their culture. Unlike pottery, jade was not meant to be used for daily activities. It is a unique window that allows us to understand the Hongshan belief system, their way of thinking, their perception of life and society. Toward the late 1980s, our knowledge of these people expanded considerably. In this book, the author started with what jade was, how jade was made, what kind of jade were made to the meaning of jade to Hongshan people, step by step to guide you into the wonderful longevity of jade culture, bring to light the exceptional craftsmanship of the oldest jade group. More than fifty illustrations and photographs of unique jade artworks open a unique window of appreciation for the oldest, most imaginative jade, full of mysterious beauty.
