新石器时代晚期至商前期?玉鹰纹圭 - Kuei Tablet
新石器时代晚期至商前期?玉鹰纹圭 - Kuei Tablet
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新石器时代晚期至商前期／玉鹰纹圭 （Ca.2500－1600B.C.）
这件玉「圭」是一个由工具、武器的型态，转化为礼制用器的例子。器呈窄长方
形，有平直刀刃，原本为铲的形式。但在器身中段的两面，均琢碾了精致的纹饰
。一面的上节浮雕向上冲飞的鹰鸟，表现了威猛的神力。而另面则浮雕一抽象的
面纹，正中央为高耸的「介」字形冠顶，而两侧插有华丽蓬松的凤羽，线条极为
流畅。由许多文献可知，鸟是东夷族群的重要宗教象征：上古时期，华东地区的
夷人，相信其始祖为自然界诸神的主宰「帝」所生，而「玄鸟」则是引渡生命力
的使者、媒介，即所谓「鸟生神话」。此件玉圭上，出现写实的鹰纹及抽象的凤
鸟纹，似乎批露了某些重要而值得探索的讯息。
形，有平直刀刃，原本为铲的形式。但在器身中段的两面，均琢碾了精致的纹饰
。一面的上节浮雕向上冲飞的鹰鸟，表现了威猛的神力。而另面则浮雕一抽象的
面纹，正中央为高耸的「介」字形冠顶，而两侧插有华丽蓬松的凤羽，线条极为
流畅。由许多文献可知，鸟是东夷族群的重要宗教象征：上古时期，华东地区的
夷人，相信其始祖为自然界诸神的主宰「帝」所生，而「玄鸟」则是引渡生命力
的使者、媒介，即所谓「鸟生神话」。此件玉圭上，出现写实的鹰纹及抽象的凤
鸟纹，似乎批露了某些重要而值得探索的讯息。
另外，还有一个值得注意的地方：在圭的一个侧面，约１平方公分的面积上，
琢有一侧面人首，戴船形帽、留卷翘的长发，眼耳鼻口等细节无一省略，非常精致。
琢有一侧面人首，戴船形帽、留卷翘的长发，眼耳鼻口等细节无一省略，非常精致。
器身的上下段，则在清乾隆皇帝时加琢御制诗和玺文。有趣的是，后加的文字与
原有的纹饰走向颠倒，因而常常引起观赏者的误解。
原有的纹饰走向颠倒，因而常常引起观赏者的误解。
撰稿／邓淑苹
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[b]Kuei tablet
Late Neolithic Age[/b] (Ca.2500~1600B.C.)
Jade kuei tablets, like the one shown here, were ritual objects whose shape
derived from an early tool and weapon. The tablets are of a narrow rectangular
shape with a level blade on one end, in the manner of its shovel prototype.
The midsection of both faces is carved in an elaborate design.
One side is the relief depiction of an eagle ascending with ferocious vigor.
On the other face is an abstract mask design, also in relief, with a peaked
crest rising prominently from the center and a splendid profusion of phoenix
feathers projecting from either side.
One side is the relief depiction of an eagle ascending with ferocious vigor.
On the other face is an abstract mask design, also in relief, with a peaked
crest rising prominently from the center and a splendid profusion of phoenix
feathers projecting from either side.
The entire design is done with gracefully flowing lines.
From several written accounts, we know that the eagle was an important
symbol of worship in the Eastern Yi tribal group of Eastern China.
symbol of worship in the Eastern Yi tribal group of Eastern China.
During high antiquity, the Eastern Yi believed that their first ancestors were
born from a supreme god, who ruled over the lesser nature deities.
According to this faith, a "mystical bird" served as the messenger or medium
of the life force from heaven, giving rise to the myth that people were born
of birds.
born from a supreme god, who ruled over the lesser nature deities.
According to this faith, a "mystical bird" served as the messenger or medium
of the life force from heaven, giving rise to the myth that people were born
of birds.
The kuei tablet here is carved with a realistic portrayal of an eagle and an
abstract phoenix design. They seem to convey some important message
whose meaning is worthy of further study.
abstract phoenix design. They seem to convey some important message
whose meaning is worthy of further study.
Another notable feature is a human head carved in silhouette on an area of
about one square centimeter on one of the lateral faces of the tablet.
about one square centimeter on one of the lateral faces of the tablet.
The figure is elaborately depicted with a hull-shaped hat, curling shocks of
long hair, eye, ear, and nostril all shown in exceptional detail.
long hair, eye, ear, and nostril all shown in exceptional detail.
The upper and lower sections of the tablet were carved during the Ch'ien-
ung reign (A.D. 1736-1795) with verse by the emperor and the imperial seal.
ung reign (A.D. 1736-1795) with verse by the emperor and the imperial seal.
Interestingly, the additions were carved upside down with respect to the
designs, causing frequent misunderstanding.
designs, causing frequent misunderstanding.
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