A White Tremolite Jade Dragon Hook from Liangzhu: Mineralogical Provenance, Symbolic Role, and Fluvial Transport of Neolithic Jade

This article examines a rare white tremolite jade “dragon hook” (龙形玉钩), attributed to the Liangzhu culture (ca. 3300–2250 BCE). Through mineralogical, technological, and stylistic analysis, the artifact is demonstrated to be authentic, carved from primary white tremolite nephrite with bundle-fibrous texture. The ochre patina follows the fibrous planes, confirming anisotropic Fe³⁺ oxide infiltration during long-term burial. The geological provenance is identified as the Xiaomeiling deposit (Liyang, Jiangsu), within 100–170 km of Liangzhu, accessible via the Taihu–Yangtze water network. Symbolically, the dragon functioned as a mediator between water and heaven, complementing the celestial symbolism of bi discs. Together, the dragon hook and cicada-motif bi disc (Expert Report No. 19) provide revolutionary evidence of Liangzhu elites’ deliberate use of white tremolite jade and their integration of cosmological and animistic motifs.

Introduction

The Liangzhu culture (ca. 3300–2250 BCE) represents one of the pinnacles of Neolithic jade civilization in East Asia, with jade bi discs, cong tubes, and zoomorphic carvings serving as ritual instruments of elite ideology (Barnes 2018; Fang & Yu 2019). While bi discs symbolize heaven and cosmic order, the dragon motif has long been associated with water, transformation, and liminality (Chang 1983).

The artifact analyzed here — a white jade “dragon hook” — offers unique insights into both the material sourcing of Liangzhu jade and its ritual symbolism. Recent geological studies have identified Xiaomeiling (Liyang, Jiangsu) as a major source of white tremolite nephrite (He et al. 2002; Li et al. 2021). This article argues that the dragon hook was carved from such material and transported via fluvial routes into the Liangzhu heartland, thereby integrating geological, technological, and symbolic dimensions of analysis.

Materials and Methods

• Object: Hook-shaped jade carving representing a dragon.

• Material analysis: Visual and mineralogical identification as tremolite nephrite; examination of fibrous bundle texture.

• Patina analysis: Study of ochre Fe-oxide infiltration along structural planes.

• Toolmark analysis: Inspection of perforations for biconical profiles and abrasive striations.

• Comparative typology: Reference to Liangzhu, Hongshan, and early Shang zoomorphic jades.

• Geological correlation: Matching texture and color with Xiaomeiling nephrite (Liyang).

Results

1. Mineralogical Characteristics

The jade is nearly white, with cream-yellow zones. Its bundle-fibrous tremolite structure is visible macroscopically, consistent with primary white nephrite from carbonate contact-metasomatic settings. Unlike “chicken-bone white” altered jade, the whiteness here is intrinsic, due to low Fe²⁺ content.

2. Patina

The artifact bears ochre-brown patina penetrating along fibrous planes. The anisotropy of coloration proves long-term infiltration of Fe³⁺ oxides in burial environments (Bao et al. 2020). Artificial staining cannot replicate this pattern.

3. Drilling

The perforation exhibits a biconical profile with irregular striations, characteristic of Neolithic quartz-abrasive tubular drilling (Gwinnett 1987; Fang & Yu 2019).

4. Typology

Dragon-shaped jades are well documented in both Liangzhu and Hongshan cultures, serving as early precursors of the Chinese dragon motif (Yang 2012; Rawson 1995). The present form — hook-shaped with stylized head — aligns with Liangzhu’s schematic style, distinct from Hongshan’s coiled dragons.

5. Provenance

The jade corresponds to geological descriptions of Xiaomeiling nephrite (Liyang, Jiangsu):

• White to grey-white tremolite nephrite with coarse fibrous bundles (He et al. 2002).

• Distance to Yuhang (Liangzhu center): ~100–170 km (Li et al. 2021).

• Transport plausibly via rivers feeding into Taihu Lake, thence to Liangzhu.

Discussion

1. Authenticity. Mineralogical and technological markers confirm Neolithic origin. Later Qing imitations lack such bundle-fibrous texture and authentic patina.

2. Material selection. The artifact proves that Liangzhu elites deliberately sourced primary white tremolite, not merely weathered green nephrite.

3. Symbolism.

   • Bi disc → heaven and immortality.

   • Dragon hook → water, mediation, transformation.
     Together, they embody a cosmological duality that anticipates Shang and Zhou ritual thought.

4. Transport. Fluvial networks provided the only feasible method for moving large nephrite blocks. This logistical model matches Liangzhu’s extensive hydraulic engineering (Zhejiang Provincial Institute 2007).

Conclusion

The white tremolite jade dragon hook is an authentic Liangzhu artifact, carved from local Xiaomeiling nephrite and integrated into a cosmological system linking water, transformation, and heaven. Its material, patina, and typology confirm Neolithic provenance. Paired with the cicada-motif bi disc (Expert Report No. 19), it demonstrates that Liangzhu elites engaged in deliberate geological sourcing and profound symbolic synthesis.

References (updated)

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