Exploration on the Creation Thought of Openwork Jade Carving with Movable Ring Elements from Pre-Qin Dynasty

Pre-Qin period openwork jade carving with movable ring elements is an extremely special inheritance in the nearly 10 000 years of traditional jade culture in China. Since its discovery in the Shang tombs, it remained silent for hundreds of years and didn't reappear in archaeological excavations until the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods, when the technology of connecting movable rings flourished and became mature. Although the numbers of the pieces are scarce, they are all masterpieces handed down through generations. Based on the excavated jade artifacts of the pre-Qin Period, this study compiles a total of 16 pieces of openwork carving with movable ring elements jade, and explores them from three aspects, namely, the characteristics of the craftsmanship, the evolution of the artifacts, and the thought of creation. The study analyzes the leapfrog development of the movable ring openwork carving process during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, which was attributed to the combined effects of multiple factors, such as the environment of a specific era, regional characteristics and social phenomena, as well as the wisdom of ancient craftsmen in their subjective awarenes of creation through aesthetic choices and creative practices. It provides reference and insight for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the evolution and development of Chinese traditional jade culture.