Nephrite – a beautiful, warm, and gentle stone – has been revered for millennia as an embodiment of spiritual depth and the cultural continuity of Chinese civilization. The second part of the documentary Nephrite in Ancient China introduces viewers to four significant archaeological sites, showcasing the crucial role nephrite played in both daily and ceremonial life, in architecture, religion, and political symbolism. The camera follows nephrite artifacts that literally shaped the walls of cities, protected the souls of the deceased, and served as links to the celestial order.

The second part of the documentary (in Czech) is available here: https://youtu.be/Vkk75fOzUVs

Cities, Myths, and the Power of Nephrite

The second part of the documentary focuses on four archaeological areas – Sanxingdui, Taosi, Shimao, and Lingjiatan – each of which provides a unique glimpse into how ancient Chinese cultures worked with nephrite. In Sanxingdui, a city famous for its sculptures and masks, nephrite was incorporated into mythology – an artifact shaped like a sacred tree, for example, illustrates the connection between the earth, the heavens, and the underworld.

In Taosi, nephrite became both a personal adornment and a symbol of power. Archaeologists discovered traces of astronomical observatories where nephrite objects were used in rituals and for protective purposes.

Shimao, a vast stone city, surprised the world when thousands of pieces of nephrite were found embedded in its walls – likely intended to protect the city from evil forces. This was not merely decoration, but a spiritual function built directly into the architecture.

In Lingjiatan, an extraordinary level of technical and symbolic sophistication is achieved. In addition to pendants, masks, and ceremonial objects, complex compositions with astronomical motifs were found here. In one of the tombs, the bodies were adorned with nephrite artifacts, creating the shape of a human figure – a testament to the belief in the transition to the afterlife.

Dynasties That Continued the Legacy

The final part of the documentary traces the evolution of nephrite use in the more famous dynasties – Xia, Shang, Zhou, and Han. Artifacts such as the Yazhang (a toothed ceremonial tool) or ritual daggers become symbols of authority and power. During the period of the Warring States, nephrite objects were used in treaties – they were broken in half, and the individual pieces symbolized loyalty and commitment.

During the Han dynasty, nephrite craftsmanship reached its peak. A prime example is the famous burial suit made of more than four thousand nephrite plates, connected by gold thread – a symbol of the desire for immortality. The documentary also explores seals, which were made from the purest nephrite, and whose significance extended beyond ordinary administrative use – they were a symbol of divine right to rule.

In this documentary, nephrite is presented not only as a material of admired beauty, but also as a spiritual medium that connected the past, the present, and the afterlife. The documentary eloquently shows how nephrite became an integral part of every aspect of life – from temple ceremonies to city construction – and why its symbolism remains vibrant in Chinese culture today.

Haven't you seen the first episode? You can watch it here: Nephrite in Ancient China – First Episode »

CMG