E23 Jade Carving of Flying Horse Stepping on Swallow

E23 Jade Carving of Flying Horse Stepping on Swallow (Warring States period)

The jade of Warring States period is well known for its delicacy and delicacy, which is related to the solid material and technical foundation of jade carving at that time. At that time, Hetian jade had entered the Central Plains in large quantities, carved a large number of high ornaments, summed up the experience of using Hetian jade since the Yin Dynasty; and the extensive application of iron tools promoted the reform of mound tools, also started the high hardness emery for jade cutting, and promoted the rapid development of jade cutting technology. The Warring States jade is good at synthesizing the local characteristics of some animals, with the outline of dragons, phoenixes and blowers. Although there is still some mysterious atmosphere, it has absorbed some characteristics of various animals to make a comprehensive change. For example, the Warring States jade craftsman inherited the Shang and Zhou traditions, still attached great importance to the performance of the head, especially the depiction of the eyes, teeth and claws. However, it changed the word "official" in Shang and Zhou dynasties, and drew materials from the eyes of eagles, tigers and other raptors and beasts, creating eye shapes with rich basis for life. It paid special attention to the characteristics of keen eyes and sharp teeth, which fully demonstrated the character and instinct of carnivorous animals. At this time, it was gradually freed from the shackles of the pattern art of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and under the influence of the painting art with a certain realistic tendency at that time, it embarked on the road of independent development. Therefore, the Warring States jade plays an important role in the history of Chinese jade. In the aspects of creation trend, design, artistic expression and sculpture, a brand-new look has emerged, creating a new type of jade with high artistic attainments, which is exquisitely carved and vivid. It has laid a solid foundation for the further development and prosperity of jade in the future.                 

This winged jade flying horse has horns on its head, which was called "Tianma" in ancient times. It steps on a god bird, which may be called Flying Swallow in later generations. The bronze "flying horse stepping on the swallow" unearthed in modern times in the Eastern Han Dynasty is more realistic, but it should be originated from the Tianma stepping on the swallow, which was made of jade in the Warring States period, rather than the first work of the Eastern Han Dynasty, so history needs to be rewritten. This jade is made of "Flying Horse Treading on swallow". It is Hetian sheepskin white jade with lustrous luster. Fu Yi, a jade horse, has a long horn. The front foot steps on the curved feather horn on the head of a looking back swallow; the back foot steps on the wings of the swallow. The tail of the horse is S-shaped, with beautiful curve and natural flow. The whole idea is marvelous and full of verve. The jade horse is full and vigorous, flying in high spirits, flying between the heaven and the earth, forming a dynamic beauty. Today, people have a concept of "ascending to the immortals by feathering", which is almost auspicious for the dragon of Chu people to rise to the immortals. During the Warring States period, with the expansion of the power of the princes, the "rites collapse and music fall", and the creation of a hundred flowers bloom, a hundred families contend for purring, so the idea is strange, "a gentleman without reason does not go to the body", and the requirements of the monarch and the dignitaries for precious jade are even higher!

It is such a precious jade that can stand. Because the bottom of the swallow is a curve rather than a flat bottom, and the contact surface in the center is only a little, it can stand up and never fall. It can be said that the skill is amazing and the earth shaking! The dynamic verve, lifelike and majestic of Tianma, the feeling of traveling in space, is a typical innovative work of moving in silence, which is hard to find in the world. All of the above are incomparable to any dynasty or any nation! It is the best in art and a great work. In the history of human cultural development, it has written a brilliant page! And deserve it!

This jade horse can stand up with a little contact. Its uncanny craftsmanship is really amazing. It's extremely powerful. People who disagree with it are all different. It's very unfair to avoid it. This artistic achievement more than 25000 years ago, I give it a fair evaluation. I give the most revered expression to the craftsman's dedication!