China's use of jade goes back at least 8000 years. Archaeologists have found pairs of slit rings, probably used as ear jewelry, from tombs in southern Manchuria dating that far back. The use of jade greatly expanded over the next 3000 years, and extensive collections of jade objects were discovered in graves circa 3000BC in both Manchuria (Hongshan) and southern Jiansu around Lake Tai (Liangzhu), showing great sophistication of object design and carving techniques, despite the lack of metal tools. The Shangs and Zhous, who had bronze tools, were able to make more complex jade pieces, and much greater numbers of them, taking jade beyond its previous domain of ritual worship to other aspects of aristocratic life. The Hans, Tangs, Songs, Mings and Qings each developed their own artistic styles and carving techniques, leaving for posterity an admirable array of artifacts of both artistic and historical value.
