Jade Handle And The Historical Evolution Of Three Dynasties

Jade handle shaped ware appeared since the Xia Dynasty,and has a quantitative advantage among the currently unearthed jade wares.Its shape is relatively simple.In the Shang Dynasty,the number of jade handle shaped ware increased,and the shape and decoration became more abundant.By the Western Zhou Dynasty,composite jade handle shaped ware appeared,and its decorative function became stronger.During the Three Dynasties period,jade handle shaped vessels were distributed around the central ruling area,with Erlitou in Yanshi as the distribution center in the Xia Dynasty,Yin Ruins as the center in the Shang Dynasty,and Henan,Shaanxi,and Shanxi as the main distribution areas of jade handle shaped vessels during the Western Zhou Dynasty.With the development of the times,the application of vermilion on jade handle shaped vessels has increased,reflecting the expansion of the scope and amount of vermilion used;The enhancement of the decorative function of jade handle shaped vessels and the emergence of jade burial reflect the loss of ritual functions of jade handle shaped vessels,marking the gradual collapse of ritual systems;In the Xia Dynasty,the alliance of kingdoms was implemented with the Xia Dynasty as the center.The Shang King directly managed the central ruling area of the dynasty,while the clan territory and affiliated kingdoms were managed or ruled by their respective vassals or royal families.The enfeoffment system was implemented in the Western Zhou Dynasty,enabling the influence of the Zhou Dynasty to reach a wider area.The changes in governance methods have led to the gradual expansion of the distribution range of jade handle shaped vessels over time.