Discussion On The Form Of Monolithic Long Jade In Eastern Zhou Dynasty

This paper could be divided into three parts: the introduction, the main body and the conclusion, regarding single-body dragon-shaped jade ornaments as main research objects. On the basis of previous studies,the introduction pointed out the research topic and research aim at first, comparing and analyzing single-body dragon-shaped jade ornaments in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty which were excavated from two different districts: the Chu area and the Central Plain of ancient China. With the discussion of these two different types would help the researcher to have a more specific and clearer recognition of the forms and characteristics of ‘Central Plain’ dragon-shaped jade.The first chapter tried to classify various tombs which related to unearthed single-body dragon-shaped jade ornaments by different regions and different periods, explaining its location, grade and preserved status, types and quantities of burial objects in the tomb, characteristics, numbers and location of these single-body dragon-shaped jade ornaments, owner’s grade and gender, the period of the tomb and other related issues.In the second chapter, the researcher tried to collect most of the single-body dragon-shaped jade ornaments in the Eastern Zhou period, classified these dragon patterns into three main configurations and analyzed them respectively: simple-S-shaped dragon without claws or with small claws; complex coiled dragon with long claws; and dragon with special shape.Besides, the researcher also attempted to explore another five issues which related to the second chapter: the characteristics of dragon-shaped jades at each stage of Eastern Zhou dynasty; the discussion of different forms of dragons’ mouths; the study of typical dragon-shaped jade ornaments; the exploration of unearthed jades with dragon design in other areas.The fourth chapter discussed three problems that related to dragon-shaped jade: the origin of dragon-shaped jade in Eastern Zhou dynasty; the function of this kind of jade, and the social conditions which could be reflected by the use of jade.What the paper want to express is a general develop trend of single-body dragon-shaped jade ornaments in the Eastern Zhou dynasty, trying to establish a more clearer and specific definition to the jade with dragon design in the ‘Central Plain’ area of ancient China, through the comparison and contrast with jade in Chu area.