Shang Dynasty (1766 BCE- 1122 BCE).According to the old Chinese legend, Shang ancestors were born from a phoenix that was sent from heaven. May be from this legend, phoenix becomes the major motif of Shang jade artifacts. The variations of Shang jade artifacts are rich. From weighing twenty kilograms to three centimeters in length, Shang Dynasty jade artifacts include kneeling person, pig, sheep, the mythical animal, dinosaur, jar and jade plaques. It should be noted that the Shang Dynasty jade artifacts are not only made of fine quality jade but also are with the extraordinary skillful workmanship. Worship and military affairs are treated first
priority matter for Shang Dynasty; as a result, the symbol of KO halberd ax and the shield are the most typical motif of many Shang Dynasty jade. However, these motifs are misinterpreted as twisted iron wire and double fish scale. Low relief and streamlined lines are done through the reduction of the surface, the square angle curling lines, and the smooth dual relief lines are typical for the Shang Dynasty jade artifacts. The Shang Dynasty jade artifacts are not only made of fine quality jade but also are with the extraordinary skillful workmanship. Worship and military affairs are treated first priority matter for the Shang Dynasty; as a result, the symbol of KO halberd ax and the shield are the most typical motif of many Shang Dynasty jade. However, these motifs are misinterpreted as twisted iron wire and double fish scale. Low relief and streamlined lines are done through the reduction of the surface, the square angle curling lines, and the smooth dual relief lines are typical for the Shang Dynasty jade artifacts. Sample Shang Dynasty jades are as follows:
1.Shang Dynasty Dragon Fish, 商玉龍魚L.19.5cm
2.Shang Dynasty Jade cong,商玉琮 H,7cm, D.3cm, 150grams
3.Shang Dynasty Phoenix Jade plaque商玉鳳鳥珮
4.Shang Dynasty Jade Tiger L.30cm商代玉虎
6.Jade Ring-2, D. 6.5cm, 51grams
7.Shang Dynasty Jade Seal Fang State( -2) 商代方國玉印
8.Shang Dyasty Fang State(-1)Jade Seal商代方國玉印,14.5cm x 4,H. 14cm
9.Shang Dynasty Jade Bi, 商代玉璧D. 10cms, T.1cm, 453grams
10.Jade Cong, H.7cm, W. 5.2cm, 448grams
11.Jade Musical Slab H. 15cm, W. 8.5cm, 375grams
商代的中期已經廣泛使用勾撤法。就是按照圖案紋樣勾出陰刻線,線條深而似溝,這種工藝叫勾,然後成一定的坡度,剖面為三角形,叫做撤。商代玉器之雙勾擬陽線是指將兩個平行並列的單陰線線沿邊沿磨去,使兩條單陰線之間的“面”的形態變圓,有如插入的陽線,但面的高度仍與陰線口雙勾擬陽線也稱勾撤陽線。