Neolithic China

c. 5000–2000 BCE

Ancient jade bi disk with a perforated surface on display

Prior to the development of writing, Neolithic China had an incredible flourishing of objects made in jade and ceramic—making these objects important for our understanding of early Chinese cultures

The Basics

Stone calendar and ancient manuscript with text 'BC vs. AD, BCE vs. CE' overlay.

Jade

bi disc jade
Close-up of a carved, ancient stone artifact with geometric patterns and weathered surface, displayed in a museum setting.

Important terms and concepts

Neolithic

Jade

nephrite

Cong

bi disk

Liangzhu people

Ceramics

lay vessel decorated with a running spiral using two colors from Neolithic China in the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco

Important terms and concepts

Ceramic

Universal running spiral

Banshan pottery

Intricately carved jade artifacts, including a coiled dragon shape and a small animal figure, displayed on a light surface against a dark background.
Ancient Chinese bronze vessel with intricate patterns.
Clay pottery with intricate geometric patterns on display.

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Guided notes

Yellow geometric sunburst design on white background.

Slideshows

Yellow sunburst design on white background

Activities

Yellow sunburst graphic with elongated triangular rays on a white background.

Stickers

Yellow sunburst pattern with elongated rays on a white background.

And more! All created by experts.

Yellow geometric sunburst pattern with radial spokes

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