As National Day approaches, many are considering which museums to visit. Can you tell us about a museum that’s on your list and any specific artifacts that have piqued your interest?
Let’s delve into some significant “firsts” that showcase the profound history of Chinese civilization:
**The Earliest Mark of “China”**
One standout artifact is the He Zun, a bronze ritual vessel dating back over 3,000 years. Inscribed with 122 characters, it includes a notable line: “余其宅兹中国，自之乂民,” which translates to “I dwell here in China, governing its people.” This inscription marks the first recorded use of the term “China” in history.
**The “First Dragon of China”**
Next up is the stunning jade dragon from the Hongshan culture. Recent archaeological discoveries have highlighted dragon totems and the jade-centric culture crucial to Chinese history. With its elongated snout, bright eyes, and gracefully curled body, this jade dragon is crafted with incredible detail and is celebrated as the “First Dragon of China.”
**The “First Phoenix of China”**
Another remarkable piece is the Jade Phoenix from the Neolithic period. Initially thought to belong to the Shang and Zhou dynasties due to its exquisite craftsmanship, it was excavated from the Shizhahe site along the Yangtze River. It shares characteristics with a jade phoenix found in the tomb of Fu Hao in Anyang, Henan, making them sister artifacts in their significance.
**The “First Flute of China”**
Dating back over 8,000 years, the Jiahu Bone Flute reveals a glimpse into ancient musical traditions. As cranes migrated to Jiahu, early inhabitants crafted these flutes from crane wing bones to honor nature’s spirits. The discovery of more than 20 bone flutes at the Jiahu site has rewritten our understanding of pre-Qin music history, shedding light on the origins of ancient Chinese melodies.
**The “First Wine Vessel of China”**
The Ru Ding, a slender bronze wine vessel from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, stands out for its subtle design featuring a composite molding technique developed by the Erlitou civilization 3,500 years ago, highlighting its importance in the craftsmanship of the Bronze Age.
**The “First Sword of the World”**
The Sword of Goujian, renowned as the “First Sword of the World,” is remarkably well-preserved. The inscriptions on this sword trace its ownership back to King Goujian of Yue, etching its legacy into history.
**The “First Lantern of China”**
From the Han dynasty, the Changxin Palace Lantern is notable for its unique design featuring a human figurine, making it the only known example of its kind from that era. Its elegant design ingeniously integrates the figure’s body and sleeve to create a smoke vent for improved airflow.
**The “First Granary of the World”**
With an area of nearly 670 acres and over 300 excavated structures, the Hanjiacun granary is dubbed the “First Granary of the World.” A significant brick discovered there serves as a historical record, outlining the granary’s location, capacity, and management.
**The “First Calligraphy of the World”**
Lastly, the Tang Dynasty copy of “Lantingji Xu” represents an essential part of Chinese calligraphy history, emphasizing that “One copy of ‘Lantingji Xu’ is half a history of calligraphy.” Although the original is lost, this copy retains the character shapes and strokes that reflect the artistic legacy of Wang Xizhi.
While not every artifact is labeled as a “first,” each one serves as an invaluable testament to China’s rich history and cultural identity, silently narrating the enduring journey of our civilization.
