D011 Zhengui (Jade Tablet)

D011 Zhengui (Jade Tablet) (Height 16.3cm, Width 12.3cm, Middle aperture 4.3cm)

This is a ceremonial instrument, which is the proof of the court's use of the official title to confer knighthood. Zhou Lichun official Dazongbo (the highest official in charge of court etiquette and music) said: "The use of jade as six auspicious things to match the level of the states: the king holds the “Zhen Gui ”(jade tablet of overpower) , the Duke holds the “Huan Gui” (jade tablet of pillar) , the Marquis holds the “Xin Gui” (jade tablet of credit), the Earl holds the “Gong Gui” (jade tablet of humble), the Viscount holds the “Gu Bi” (jade disc of grain), the Baron holds the “Pu Bi” (jade disc of sedge).

In the book of Etiquette of Zhou Dynasty, Chun Da Zongbo, Official of Spring said:  ‘Jade as "six rituals" ( six kinds of auspicious ritualistic wares) ,is to honor the heavens and the earth: to honor the heavens with the jade tublet of the clour of sky green; to honor the land with the jade tublet in yellow; to honour the East with the jade tablet in green; to honour the South with the red jade “Zhang”; and respect the West with jade tiger in white ; to honour the North with Jade “Huang” (dark jade pendant). The ceremonial custom of the "Six Ruis" and "Six Vessels" of the Zhou Dynasty was based on the shape of their own utensils, and was improved to have a basis. Gui's shape is axe-shaped and slightly improved.

This "Zhengui" is held by the emperor, and it is a treasure that the emperor proves his identity. At every meeting, the ministers must hold their own "Gui". For example, the duke holds "Gong Gui", and the emperor holds "Zhen Gui" was used as an item to meet the ministers in the court. This is the etiquette system stipulated by Duke Zhou .

As the supreme authority of the head of state, this "Zhengui" is the most lofty imperial authority in the history of China! It is the dream of the later generations of the royal family, but it is hard to find.               

This sacred treasure: I studied many years with Na Zhiliang, director of ancient jade of Taipei Palace Museum, read numerous ancient books and documents, and participated in the research of many ancient jade relics. The conclusion is that this treasure is very consistent with all aspects of the "Zhengui" held by the emperor of the Western Zhou Dynasty, but because it is the same as over one hundred million rare pieces in China in the past five thousand years, there is no country unearthed in recent decades Record! Therefore, we can only infer that it belongs to the "Zhengui" held by the emperor of Zhou Dynasty!