The Hongshan Culture, which flourished in northeastern China during the Neolithic period, is renowned for its exquisite jade artifacts. Among these, the Y-shaped bear jade artifact stands out as particularly unique and noteworthy. This jade piece is carved in the shape of a bear and resembles the letter ‘Y’, capturing the interest of many scholars and archaeologists.
Generally, this jade artifact is referred to as an ‘animal-shaped jade’ or a ‘staff-shaped jade.’ However, I propose calling it the ‘Y-shaped bear’ because its features, such as the eyes and ears, closely resemble those of the C-shaped bear, and it looks very similar to a bear standing on its hind legs.
The Hongshan Culture is one of the earliest known jade-using cultures in China, and their jade artifacts provide valuable insights into the development of Chinese civilization. The intricate carving of the Y-shaped bear jade artifact demonstrates the artistic sensibility and technical skill of the people at that time, offering significant clues about their religious and social life.
This artifact is essential for understanding the cultural and historical context of early Chinese society, revealing much about their beliefs, social structures, and interactions with their environment.
Through this exquisite artifact, we gain a deeper understanding of the outstanding artistry of the Hongshan Culture and their spiritual and social life.
